Jerry Reach

Jerry N. Reach, age 89, of Tuscaloosa, AL (formerly Vance), passed away on October 31, 2025, at UAB Medical Center. A visitation will be held from 6:00- 8:00 PM on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel. Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel with Pastor Henry Joiner, Rev. Kenneth Wyatt, and Rev. Dennis Walker officiating and burial to follow at Memory Hill Gardens.
He is preceded in death by his parents, J.R. and Dollie Reach; sister, Marie Strickland; and brothers, Frank Reach and Commodore Reach.
He is survived by his wife, Dean Phillips Reach of Tuscaloosa, AL; daughter, Patti Reach Driggers (Mike) of Valley Grande, AL; son, Gerald Dennis Reach of Vance, AL; sisters, Annette Anderson of Vance, AL and Lunette Hallman of Northport, AL; and grandchildren, Adam Driggers (Nicole) of Mobile, AL, Amy Driggers Heaton (Sean) of Duncanville, AL, and Anna Reach of New York.
Jerry was born on November 17, 1935, to J.R. and Dollie Reach. He grew up in Vance, AL and raised his family there. He worked for Jim Walter Resources for 39 years as a Civil Engineer and was party chief for his crew where his son, Dennis, was part of his crew. Jerry's love for the Lord led him into pastoral ministry at the age of 35 and he pastored at 3 different churches for a total of 31 years. One of the churches he pastored was his home church, Wallace Chapel Church of the Nazarene in which he pastored for 18 years. Jerry also had a passion for farming and horses. He loved to ride, train, and participate in horse shows through the years. He owned several horses throughout his life, but his favorite was the Tennessee Walking Horse. Jerry was highly respected and loved in the community.
Pallbearers are Sean Heaton, Keegan Heaton, Mike Driggers, Adam Driggers, Johnny Averett, Josh Averett, Trey Averett, and Andy Reach.