Jerry was born in Dothan, Alabama, on August 2, 1964. He passed away peacefully at home on April 2, 2026, surrounded by his beloved family.
Funeral services will be held at Piney Grove United Methodist Church, 21 Piney Grove Road, Rehobeth, Alabama 36301, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with services beginning at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Rev. Keith White and Rev. Sam Davis. He will be laid to rest in the Piney Grove UMC Cemetery.
Jerry was raised in Rehobeth, Alabama. He attended Jack & Jill Kindergarten and completed grades 1–12 at Rehobeth High School. After graduating in 1983, he attended Wallace College, where he took electrical and EMT classes. Jerry earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology from the Minnesota School of Theology, graduating with the highest honors, summa cum laude. He also studied theology at Emory University, Birmingham-Southern College, and Huntingdon College.
Jerry was employed by the City of Dothan for 25 years, working in traffic engineering before retiring in 2006.
As a minister, Jerry served for 20 years in the United Methodist Church, including at Madrid UMC, Napier Field UMC, Pondtown UMC, and Piney Grove UMC, retiring in 2018. He also enjoyed working at Lowe’s from 2008 to 2015.
Jerry credited his love for God to his beloved Granny, Nancy Hughes, who often spoke to him about Jesus and His love for everyone. Jerry joined Piney Grove UMC at age 12 and cherished being part of the loving fellowship of his church family. There, he met his childhood sweetheart, Carolyn, also at age 12. They later married at their home church, Piney Grove, on December 17, 1983. Jerry deeply loved his extended family, the Bradleys, who welcomed him as one of their own.
Together, Jerry and Carolyn enjoyed going to the beach, listening to their favorite songs—including “Sailing” and “Endless Love”—fishing, exploring antique shops, and spending time in the countryside. They also enjoyed dining at Rodeo and Hacienda for Mexican food. Jerry loved thrift shopping and going to lunch with his daughter Abby, where they would discuss many topics. He also shared his love of Star Wars and The Beatles with his daughter Emily.
Jerry and Carolyn built a loving family with their two daughters, Emily and Abby, each of whom had a special relationship with their father. Jerry affectionately nicknamed Emily “Embo” and Abby “his buddy.”
Jerry leaves behind his beloved Boston Terrier, Ollie, whom he rescued in 2022. They enjoyed being snack and nap buddies and watching Gunsmoke together.
Jerry loved music, reading, and woodworking. He cherished spending time with his granddaughters, Aubrey and Bailey, and watching them grow and achieve many accomplishments. He also participated in Yoshukai Karate, earning his black belt in 1988. Jerry loved people and sharing his faith in Jesus. He was a man of integrity who loved everyone.
Jerry is survived by the love of his life, Carolyn Bradley Hughes; his daughters, Emily Hyland (Adam) and Abby McNeil (Andrew); and his granddaughters, Aubrey and Bailey Jenkins.
He is also survived by his extended family that he considered siblings: Daisy and Dwayne Johnson; Kaye and Mark Blocker; Bruce and Janet Bradley; Bob and Becky Bradley; Pat and Brenda Bradley; and Randall and Debbie Baxley.
He also leaves behind several special nieces and nephews; three special cousins, Mike Money, Keith White, and Greg White; and many dear friends.
Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother, Nancy Hughes; his cherished Border Collie mix, Luna; and his close friend, Michael Locke.
The family wishes to thank Southeast Health, the Flowers MICU 3 unit, and all the doctors who cared for him—especially Dr. Latimer—for the compassion and care shown during his illness over the past four months. They also extend their heartfelt thanks to Dayspring Hospice for the love and care provided in his final days.
Expressions of sympathy may be made through flowers sent to Sunset Funeral Home, or donations may be made to the Wiregrass Humane Society.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
