Jerry Holder, age 79, of Caryville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

Born February 6, 1947 in Clinton, Tennessee, Jerry spent most of his childhood in Caryville and remained a resident there throughout his life. He was a 1964 graduate of Jacksboro High School. He entered the United States Army in 1966 as a young man and served his country in Vietnam as a radio and teletype operator. In 1968 he transferred to the Army Reserve in order to complete his education, and he received his discharge in 1972 with the rank of Sergeant.

Jerry earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Tennessee and went on to complete a master's degree at Union College in Kentucky. He gave his working life to public service, retiring from the Tennessee Department of Human Services after more than two decades. That commitment carried over into his hometown, where he also served as Police Commissioner for the City of Caryville and as a member of the Caryville City Council.

Raised in the Baptist faith, Jerry was a lifelong Christian. He was a dedicated worker who took pride in a job well done and believed in earning his way through hard work and dependability.

Jerry is survived by his daughter, Meredith Holder Lassiter, and her husband, Franklin Lassiter; his grandchildren, Christopher Brady Lassiter, Kimberlin Elise Lassiter, and Franklin Emmett Lassiter; his brother, Jim Holder; his nephews, Nathan and Jason Holder, and their families; and a host of good friends.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Powell Valley Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care of Holley Gamble Funeral Home of Clinton, Tennessee.