Jerry Michael "Butch" Hazelrig

Jerry Michael "Butch" Hazelrig, age 78, passed away on January 17, 2026.

Butch was born on November 15, 1947, in Western Valley, just outside of Covington, Tennessee, and grew up in Tipton County, a place that he always held close to his heart. Though he later lived in Shelby County, Butch eventually returned to his Tipton County roots, where he spent the final years of his life. He often spoke fondly of the home he grew up in and the cotton fields that surrounded it-memories that shaped the man he became.

He was the youngest of seven children, born to Jack Hazelrig and Ola Mae Hazelrig (Warren). He was preceded in death by his parents and all of his siblings: Betty Shaw, Sue Blair, Donald Hazelrig, Lesy Everson, Larry Hazelrig, and Nick Hazelrig.

Butch is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Brenda Hazelrig (Cranford), two children, Greg Hazelrig (Michelle Hazelrig) and Marcie Hazelrig Hopkins (Glenn Hopkins). He was a devoted and loving grandfather to his three grandsons, Nathan Hopkins (Brittany Hopkins), Mike Hopkins, and Mitch Hopkins, who were truly the pride and joy of his life.

A hardworking man from a young age, Butch spent most of his life as a career electrician. After briefly trying his hand at car sales, he returned to the trade he loved and went on to start his own electrical business, Hazelrig Electric, alongside Brenda, serving both residential and commercial clients for many years. Even in his later years, he never stopped helping friends and family with their electrical needs-always ready to lend a hand.

Anyone who met Butch quickly came to love him for his kindness, humor, and generous spirit. He was known for always going above and beyond for others, and for being the most loving and devoted "Papa" to his grandsons. If you had the pleasure of knowing Butch, it wouldn't take long to learn what mattered most to him-his boys. His favorite thing in the world was spending time with them and proudly bragging on them, a feeling that was wholeheartedly returned. To this day, they eagerly share stories of fishing with hot dogs, riding along on electrical calls, or sitting around the dinner table listening to Papa tell the same stories over and over-stories no one ever tired of hearing.

Butch had many passions, including woodworking, reading, playing games, traveling with his wife, making others laugh, and telling stories. His stories-of picking cotton with a burlap sack, of the store in Garland burning down and taking his childhood home with it, or of how he "somehow" convinced Brenda to go on a date with him before marrying her just months later-are ones that no one will forget.

There is no doubt that Butch will be remembered as the remarkable man that he was. His family finds comfort in knowing that he is now safe in his heavenly home, singing songs with Jesus. One of his favorite hymns was "I'll Fly Away," and they know that on January 17, he did just that.

Cremation services are under the direction of Covington Funeral Home. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.