It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jerry Lee Thornell, Sr. born on December 4th, 1953, the son of the late Oliver Gene Thornell and Julia Parker Thornell. Jerry departed this life peacefully surrounded by family on May 3rd, 2024 at the age of 70 years.

He met his wife, Debra Bryant Thornell, 48 years ago in 1976 and was united in marriage with her in 1981.

Jerry worked in maintenance for multiple companies, most notably Wonder Bread, and was a devoted employee who took pride in his work. Jerry enjoyed a good game of poker, disc golf, or pool and could be found enjoying Westerns or the Sci-Fi channel, tinkering with any number of projects he was working on, or generally "misbehaving" through rough-housing with his grandchildren or engaging in a good argument. Jerry was proudest of his children and grandchildren and truly enjoyed surrounding himself with friends and family.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Harvey Gene Thornell.

In addition to his wife, Jerry is survived by his sons, Lee Thornell and wife Emily, and Gary Thornell and wife Sarah, both of Southaven, MS. He is also survived by his brothers, Lynn and Ronnie Thornell, and his 4 grandchildren; Noah, Alex, Harvey, and Tara Thornell, and numerous other nieces, nephews, and friends who will greatly miss him.

Services to celebrate Jerry's life will be held on Friday, May 17th, 2024 with a visitation with the family beginning at 12:30pm and the service starting at 1pm at Getwell Church in Southaven, MS followed immediately by interment in Forest Hill South Cemetery on Holmes Rd.  A repast will be held after the interment at the home of Gary and Sarah Thornell in Southaven.