Jerry Wayne Harrelson

Jerry Wayne Harrelson, 72, most affectionately known by his family and friends, as "Lefty", departed this world for his heavenly home on October 13, 2016. He was born October 1, 1944, to Boyce Archie and Wilma Palmer Harrelson in Baldwyn, MS.

Jerry graduated from Wheeler High School in 1962. He attended NEMCC playing basketball and baseball on scholarship. In 1966, he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He served in Germany. After his Army stint, he returned home and finished his Bachelor's Degree at NEMCC and Mississippi State University. After graduation in 1971, he began a teaching/coaching career that lasted 39 years. He married Lana Dawson on August 14, 1971. Jerry loved coaching and teaching at Burnsville High School, Jumpertown High School, Iuka Elementary and High School, Colbert County Alternative School in Alabama, and Savannah Middle School in Tennessee.
Jerry was a member of First Baptist Church in Booneville. He was a 32nd degree KCCH Mason, a member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the MS High School Athletic Association, Sons of the Confederacy, Prentiss County Retired Teachers' Association, and the USO. Jerry was named to the NEMCABB Hall of Fame.

Jerry was always full of fun and enjoyed talking, telling stories and joking with his many students, family and friends.

A Celebration of Life with military honors will be at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, October 15, 2016, at First Baptist Church with Rev. Jason Reed officiating and Dr. David Greenhaw delivering the eulogy. Burial will be in Booneville Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Lana Dawson Harrelson; one son, Rich (Hope Belk) Harrelson; his mother -in -law, Kathryn Dawson; one sister, Betty Harrelson Martin; one sister-in-law, Ann Dawson Inman; two grandchildren, Richard Gage Harrelson and Mary Cille Harrelson; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law, Winfred Dawson; and two brothers-in-law, Bob Dawson and Ralph Martin.

Pallbearers are Bobby Manley, Jacky Martin, Gage Harrelson, Ken Shackleford, Kenny Hicks and Bobby Lowrey.

Honorary pallbearers are Mary Cille Harrelson, Wheeler Class of 1962, all of his former students, fellow teachers and coaches, and the Berea Sunday School Class.

Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at McMillan Funeral Home and Saturday from 12:30 P.M. until service time at the church.

Condolences may be left at www.mcmillanfuneralhome.com.