Obituary for Jerry Lee Douglas

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Jerry Lee Douglas of Tullahoma. Born on April 16, 1940, in Crutchfield, Kentucky, he peacefully passed away on February 23, 2025, at The Lynchburg Nursing Center.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. Friends may visit with the family at the funeral home on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, and also on Sunday from 1:00 PM until the time of service.

Jerry’s mischievous spirit began early in life, as he was known for his playful pranks during his school years. He graduated from Casey High School in Casey, Kentucky, in 1957, before following his passion for broadcasting—a love he developed while listening to Harry Caray and Jack Buck on the St. Louis Cardinals’ baseball broadcasts on KMOX.

In 1962, Jerry’s broadcasting journey brought him to Tullahoma, where he worked as a radio personality for WJIG. It was here that he met the love of his life, Lotus Jean Brown, and the two were married in 1964. Their adventure together took them to Huntsville, Gadsden, and Montgomery, Alabama. Jerry’s talent earned him the title of Best Radio Personality while working for WAAY radio in Huntsville. in 1970, Jerry and Lotus returned to Tullahoma where Jerry resumed his work at WJIG, which later became WBGY. He continued his radio career at WMSR in Manchester, and in 1988, he fulfilled his lifelong dream of owning a radio station when he and two partners launched WDFZ in Tullahoma.

Jerry was deeply committed to the Tullahoma community. His passion for spreading joy and cheer led him to serve as Santa Claus for various local stores and The Chamber Christmas Parade. He was also actively involved in the Jaycees and the Lions Club. Jerry never met a stranger, always eager to share a funny story, give a personalized nickname, or pull off a lighthearted practical joke.

Among Jerry’s many loves were reading, University of Tennessee football, St. Louis Cardinals baseball, and Daytona Beach. He cherished the electric atmosphere of a game at Neyland Stadium, equally matched by his lifelong devotion to the St. Louis Cardinals. Jerry’s knowledge of sports, including the players and statistics, was unmatched. Daytona Beach was his favorite vacation destination, where he would go to great lengths to ensure his family enjoyed many summers.

Above all, Jerry cherished his family and took immense pride in his grandchildren. His warmth, generous spirit, and infectious enthusiasm will be deeply missed by family, friends, co-workers, and all who had the pleasure of hearing his voice or of sharing a conversation with him.

The family would like to thank the Lynchburg Nursing Center staff for their attentive, compassionate care for Jerry and their empathetic support of the family.

Jerry was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Rebecca (Walker) Douglas, his father Paul Eugene Douglas, brother Wayne Douglas and granddaughter Anna (Bradford) Lemons. He was also preceded in death by his wonderful wife of fifty-nine years, Lotus Jean (Brown) Douglas. Jerry is survived by three children: Debbie (Bobby) Bradford, Paula (Frank) Burnette, and Charles Gregory (Katrina) Douglas, and four grandchildren: Belinda Brown, Frank Burnette IV, William Burnette (Andie), and Arliss Douglas, six great-grandchildren: Thomas, Jenna, and Bryant Brown, and Hunter, Cheyenne, and Lillian Lemons, and two great great grandchildren, Thomas Brown and Charlette Brown.

Online condolences may be made at www.davesculbertsonfuneralhome.com.

Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home is assisting the family.