Obituaries

Rev. Gerald P. (Jerry) Garner passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 3, 2022, at 1:45pm at University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, TN at the age of 83. Jerry was a wonderful father, husband, grandfather, pastor, friend, but most importantly, a strong soldier of the cross and faithful servant of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Lou Ann Garner; children, Debbie Garner Denton and Michael Ray Garner; siblings, Lyle Garner, Gloria Perry, Wanda Arms, Bruce Garner, and Doris Haven; and parents, Samuel Preston Garner and Millie Garner. Jerry leaves behind one brother (Wayne Garner), his sons and their families, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a wonderful church family, and has impacted friends and family- too numerous to mention. He began ministry as a great tenor vocalist for several groups before founding the singing ministry of the Supernals in 1967. Throughout the years, the ministry of the Supernals has impacted countless lives in the United States and around the world- continuing on to this very day. In the early 1980s, Jerry began pastoring at Bible Missionary Baptist Church in Knoxville, TN where he served faithfully for over 25 years. Later, after a brief time serving in itinerate preaching ministry, he accepted the call to pastor Pleasant View Baptist Church in Alcoa, TN where he served until his passing. The profound impact in life and ministry that he has left will not be forgotten. He was a great man of faith, character, integrity, and influence not typically ,seen in this world. His legacy of life and ministry will continue on for years to come. Rev. Jerry Garner was a faithful follower of Christ and a true saint of God. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” (Psalm 116:15).