Jerry Williams:1936-2021

Jerry Williams, 85 of Corydon passed away on December 24, 2021 at Wayne County Hospital. 

Jerry was born to Samuel Glenn & Hester (Ryan) Williams on September 8, 1936 in Corydon. Raised as the youngest of 4 children on a farm East of Corydon. Known as Buddy to family and friends he joined two older sisters; Twyla Anne and Barbara Jean, and a brother Samuel Glenn Jr. He received his education from Corydon High School as a Hornet graduating in 1955. Football was his sport of choice though he never was the biggest one on the field. 

As a younger man, Jerry enjoyed his fast cars and freedom. So much so, that he would carry extra parts with him. He especially enjoyed taunting the local police. Jerry and his brother in law Dwight drove semis, which would lead into a life long passion for driving trucks. From hauling cattle to grains, there wasn't much he wouldn't haul. 

On April 20, 1958, Jerry was united in marriage to Virginia Kay Russell. Being newly weds in love they spent their time roller skating, square dancing and playing fast pitch softball. Around this time is when Jerry would start his managing career of Neelys and then De-flecta Shield until the late 1980s. They welcomed their first child, Cindy in May of 1959. In the off season of rodeo, Jerry enjoyed hunting with his dad and brother, and playing cards with friends. He especially enjoyed his coon hunting and training mules. In March of 1963, they welcomed their son Rick. 

Jerry’s passion was picking up broncs at local rodeos as well as traveling into Missouri to compete. He competed in the steer wrestling which usually ended with torn close that Virginia would mend and repair. Upon his retirement his enjoyment for horses was passed on to his children as he greatly enjoyed showing the cutting horses that Virginia and him had bred and raised. 

Left to cherish Jerry’s memory is his sister Barbara Jean Fetters, Sister in law Janet Williams, daughter Cindy Miller (Bruce), son Rick Williams (Marcy), grandchildren Markus Williams, and Misti Salsberry (Chaz), Kayle Miller (Jon), Seth Miller (Alyson), Addison Fry (Alex), great-grandchildern Kolbie Salsberry, Conlan and Landon McCarty, sister, Barbara Jean Fetters as well as numerous extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Virginia, siblings: Twyla Anne Smith and Samuel Glenn Williams Jr.  

Funeral service for Jerry and Virginia will be 1:00 pm, Monday, December 27, 2021 at Thomas Funeral Home. Visitation will take place at the funeral home two hours prior from 11-1. Interment will be in Corydon Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the family and condolences may be shared at www.thomasfh.com