Jerry Levengood
Jerry Dale Levengood, 67, of Dayton, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday morning, March 6, 2021.
He was born in Dayton on October 9, 1953, the son of the late Rev. Paul and Lillian (Hummel) Levengood. He was also preceded in death by his infant daughter Megan Levengood.
Jerry lived most of his life in Dayton. He was a graduate of Rhea Central High School, class of 1969 and earned his bachelor degree in education at Bryan College. In 1990 Jerry earned his master degree in supervision and administration from Trevecca University.
Jerry was called to preach at the age of 16 and was ordained in the ministry at the age of 19. Jerry began his career in teaching at Whitwell High School and then onto Spivey Elementary and Dayton City School where he began his football coaching career. He then went on to coaching at the high school level for 20 years. After that, his career in administration began, first as assistant principal at Spring City Elementary, then Rhea Central Elementary and then principal of Rhea County High School. Jerry was currently serving as the Director of Rhea County Schools.
Jerry was pastor of the Lake Drive Baptist Church from 1983-1988, then pastor of Yellow Creek Baptist Church from 1989-1999 and most recently as pastor of Walden’s Ridge Baptist Church from 2000 until recently retiring due to his health.
Jerry was a weather enthusiast, an avid fan of Braves baseball, University of Tennessee football and Rhea County football.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Karen (Harwood) Levengood, his two daughters, Stephanie (Zach) Gibson and Natalie (Randy) Bright all of Dayton, his brother, Gene (Sandi) Levengood of Benton, AR and his sister Joy Heiss of Soddy Daisy.
Funeral services for Jerry will be held Tuesday afternoon, March 9, 2021 at 1:00pm in the auditorium of Rhea County High School with Mr. Jesse Messimer, Rev. Rusty Revis, Rev. Bobby Schafer and Rev. Shane Johnston officiating. Private graveside services with a white dove release will follow at Rhea Memory Gardens where he will be laid to rest next to his parents and infant daughter. Pall bearers will be Preston Hale, Bill Travis, John Mincy, Chip Pendergrass, Dr. Chris Horton, Mark Pemberton, Bryant Collins and Jesse Messimer. Honorary pall bearers will be the deacons of Walden’s Ridge Baptist Church and the Rhea County school board members.
Social distancing is strongly encouraged, and face masks will be required.
Funeral service live streamed at: https://youtu.be/5tWdrDaEplU
Please share your memories and photos of Jerry on his online guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com.
The family is being served by the Vanderwall Funeral Home where they will receive friends Monday from 5:00pm until 8:00pm.
Memorial contributions may be given to Walden’s Ridge Baptist Church building fund at 201 Virginia Avenue, Dayton, TN 37321, Cumberland Springs Bible Camp at Cumberland Springs Road, Dayton, TN 37321 or the Rhea County Football Program at 885 Eagle Lane, Evensville, TN 37332.