Jerry Lantrip Obituary
Jerry Wayne Lantrip, Sr. age 74, passed away Monday morning, January 19, 2026, at his home in Oakland, MS.
Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Thursday, January 22, 2026, in the Martin Willingham Memorial Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with the interment to follow at Graystone Family Cemetery in Oakland, MS. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1:00 P.M.
He was born June 9, 1951, in Marks, MS to the late Willie Edward and Johnnie Lavern Young Lantrip. Jerry dedicated his career to being an automotive mechanic, showcasing his passion not only for repairing cars but also for his love of antique automobiles. In his younger years he wrestled in the southern circuit under the name Macho Man. He continued busting heads as a bouncer at Rolling Hills and the Islander while employed as a mechanic at Lantrip’s Garage. He later was one of the founding members of Grays Power Supply and shop foremen. His enthusiasm for vehicles extended into his personal life, where he also enjoyed working on cars and riding his motorcycle. Jerry was well known for his dedication and loyalty to his family, qualities that earned him the love and respect of those around him.
Jerry is survived by his sons: Jerry Wayne Lantrip, Jr. of Illinois, John Cory Lantrip of Granite City, Illinois, Jason McCord Lantrip of Fairfield, Texas, Jerrod Justin Lantrip of Courtland, Mississippi, Jon Wayne Lantrip of Pope, Mississippi, Michael Gray of Oakland, Mississippi, and Scotty Len Gray of Anchorage, Alaska. He is also survived by his sisters, Sally Ann Loggins of Walls, Mississippi, and Brenda Smith of Batesville, Mississippi. In addition to his immediate family, Jerry leaves behind a legacy that includes twenty-three grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Edward Lantrip and Johnnie Laverne Young Lantrip, his son Christopher Gray, a daughter Ida Winters, and his brother Willie Lantrip, Jr.
Jerry Lantrip will be forever remembered as a loving father and friend to all that crossed his path.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
340 MS Highway 35 North, Batesville, MS 38606
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