Obit – Jerry Lock
Jerry Lock, 87, formerly of Millsfield, died peacefully on Friday, May 1, 2026, at his residence in Elmwood, TN, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 2, 1938, to L C and Ophelia Seaton Lock, who preceded him in death. Jerry was a member and honorary deacon of Christ Church Baptist Fellowship in Millsfield, TN and attended Gordonsville Christian Fellowship in Gordonsville, TN.
After graduation from Dyersburg High School in 1956, he attended Murray State University and was soon recruited as a pitcher into minor league baseball. In four years, he played five seasons in the minors and rose from D-ball to AA performing mainly as a relief pitcher best known for his slider pitch. Due to an arm injury in 1961, his major league career ended before his rookie debut opportunity with the St. Louis Cardinals organization but the disciplines he acquired through baseball forever influenced his strategic decision-making skill in life.
After baseball ended, he was drafted into the US Army and served stateside then continued with the National Guard in which he served 4 years. In 1963, he moved to Memphis and began a very successful career in sales with General Electric. After retiring at age 50, Jerry started IPM, an investment property management company and returned to college to complete his degree in Business Administration at Memphis State University then acquired his Real Estate & Broker licenses. He completed this goal in 1990, the same year he met Jayne, his beloved wife with whom he joyfully partnered in work, travel, faith, and family through the next 35 years. In 2000, Jayne & Jerry relocated to Dyersburg where they participated in the reopening of Lock’s Store (est. 1939) in 2001, caring for family members, and many church and community activities & initiatives. For two decades, he acquired several certifications and practiced financial investment management. By 2021, Jayne & Jerry again relocated and split time between homes in middle-Tennessee and southwest Florida.
A natural-born athlete, Jerry remained active and adored learning & mastering sporting skills throughout his life including baseball, basketball, football, golf, boating, skiing, and fishing of all varieties. In all his hobbies and business transactions, he consistently practiced integrity and sportsmanship. He was awed by nature and remained marveled every day by the beauty and wonders of God’s creation. He acquired countless friends throughout his life and maintained life-long relationships. Above all, Jerry’s conviction in faith and his love for Jesus Christ steered and anchored him and he sought to help others take hold of the promise of eternal life.
Though he was an only child, his beloved parents embraced and shared in raising the sons of his Aunt Verla who lost her life in a car accident in 1963. His cousins were more like brothers to him, and he prioritized spending time and efforts to secure the unification of those who he called family throughout his life. After marrying Jayne, he embraced the role of father to Jeff, Rhonda, and Janene and proudly adored each of the 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. His ‘brother’s’ families, including their 5 children and 5 grandchildren, brought him infinite pride and joy. He never backed away from life’s challenges, and his legacy of success will sustain generations to come.
After visitation from 10:00am – 12Noon, Funeral services began at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Christ Church Baptist Fellowship officiated by Brother Jeremy Ballinger and a private family interment followed in Dyer County Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers for Jerry’s final rest were Seth Thornley, Jonathon Mosley, Jamison Mosley, Jeffrey Mech, Thomas Mech and Larry VanderToorne.
Survived by his wife, Jayne Dunn Lock; his children, Jeff Mosley (Laura) of Arrowsmith, IL, Rhonda Mech of Elmwood, TN, Janene Parisi (Tom) of Smithville, TN; nine grandchildren: Allison Thornley (Seth), Jonathon Mosley (Lauren), Jamison Mosley (Theresa), Jeffrey Mech, Margaret Mech, Thomas Mech, Claudia Parisi (fiancé Brogan Pivnicka), Amelia Parisi, Sophia Parisi and eight great-grandchildren: Anniston, Moxon, & Pippon Thornley, Calen & Camden Mosley, and Rowan, Wren, & Eden Mosley; nephews, Mark Pledge (Roberta) of Lakeland and Tim Pledge of Dyersburg; cousins: Mason Pledge (Robin) and Harper & Maddox; Monica Pledge Leigh (Jeffrey) and Thompson, Harvey, & Marlow; Morgan Pledge Pike (Forrest); Coree Pledge; Savannah Pledge-Sobers (Ravon) and Kailyn.
The family requests memorials be directed to Christ Church Baptist Fellowship, 5774 Millsfield Hwy., Dyersburg TN 38024.
We are privileged and honored to serve the family of Jerry Lock. You may share your condolences and your memories with the family at www.curryfuneral.com.
BASS of GORDONSVILLE
