Jesse Earl McClerkin

Jesse Earl McClerkin, age 89, resident of Collierville, TN, departed for Paradise on the evening of October 1, 2024. Services will be Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at Crossroads Baptist Church in Eads, TN where he was a member, with visitation from 11:00 - 1:00pm, followed by a Celebration of Life Service for Mr. McClerkin conducted at 1:00pm with Pastor Rob Mullins officiating. He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Pat McClerkin, parents, James and Annie Pearl McClerkin, his six siblings, son Keith McClerkin, and granddaughter, Kara McClerkin. Mr. McClerkin was born November 14, 1934 in Atoka, TN, the youngest of seven children. He attended Holmes School in Covington until the 6th grade when he left school to help to provide for his family. Later in life he completed his GED and enrolled in many college classes. He delivered ice for the ice company, and worked at the local movie theater. Later he also worked for MLGW building towers. He entered the pre owned car business 1960, opening his first car lot in Brighton, TN. He married Patsy Webb in 1978 and started McClerkin Motors in Memphis in 1984 where Pat worked alongside him for over 35 years. Although Jesse had grown up attending church, he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior in this season of his life. Together, Pat & Jesse travelled quite extensively, even participating in many international mission trips. He enjoyed watching college football, playing golf with friends, and studying God's Word. As his faith in Christ grew, he taught Sunday School classes at the churches they attended - Divorce care, Singles, College & Career, & Couples classes. Alongside his wife, Pat McClerkin, he enjoyed sharing the love of Christ by welcoming others and hosting Bible Studies in their home for decades. He is fondly remembered for his generosity to faith-based organizations such as Life Choices, FCA, Center for Religious Expression, & Alliance Defending Freedom, as well as his "money handshakes" for seminary students and pastors. While he had an amazing skill for negotiating a good deal, as the owner of his own car dealership, he and Pat took great joy in discovering people with genuine needs, and ministering to them by meeting that need, whether it was through the gift of a car, or other material necessities. The number of people that Jesse and Pat blessed in this way will truly never be known. He struggled with the physically limiting infirmities of illness these past two years, yet Jesse continued to encourage others daily with Scripture and inspirational messages from favorite books that he posted to Facebook and shared in text groups. Throughout his life, he treasured his wife, Pat, his children, his six siblings, and the relationships that he had cultivated throughout his lifetime. Most of all, he loved being a grandfather to his many grandchildren and great grands. He leaves a legacy of generosity, faith, & steadfast service to others. Mr. McClerkin is survived by his daughter, Janice (Bob) Tate, of Orlando, FL, sons Dale McClerkin of Brighton, TN, Carey (Renea) McClerkin of Munford, TN, Mel (Leslie) Loftis, Jr. of Jackson Gap, AL, and Mark (Stacy) Loftis of Germantown, TN, along with 16 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. Those honored to serve as pallbearers include Barrett McClerkin, Chase McClerkin, Thomas Loftis, Andrew Loftis, Christopher Loftis, Micah Loftis, & Patrick Loftis The family would like to thank the many people who cared for Jesse's health over the past couple of years as well as the many sweet friends that loved him so well. They request that memorials be directed to Crossroads Baptist Church, Life Choices, or Reynolds Hospice House through the Baptist Foundation.