Jerry D. Knicely, of Morristown, passed away Tuesday, July 25, 2023.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; and sister, Emily.

Jerry leaves behind two daughters, Gina (ex-husband, Rocky) Perry and Tabitha (Terry) Cozart; and three grandchildren, Jamie (Steven) Scott, Matthew (Christina) Perry, and Jarred (Taylor) Cozart.

Jerry grew up at Kingswood School and graduated from Morristown East. He later joined the Army where he served three years. Jerry was an outdoorsman at heart. He enjoyed hunting, archery (in his younger days), and drag racing, but his biggest enjoyment was fishing. It didn’t matter if he caught anything or not, he just loved being out there.

He was a local hero to some, and his proudest moment was for winning the 1981 B.A.S.S. Masters Tournament of Champions on Cherokee Lake in the first ever sudden death fish-off in B.A.S.S. history. During the tournament, he was also able to share a boat with some of his heroes such as Hank Parker, Paul Elias, and Rick Clunn.

He will be missed by many friends, family, neighbors, and his hunting and fishing buddies. Special thanks to Home Instead and Amedysis for their brief but wonderful service.

A special thanks to all of Jerry’s neighbors and friends who dropped by with coffee and breakfast or a good hot meal. His family appreciates all you did. Per Jerry’s request, no services will be scheduled.

Arrangements by Westside Chapel Funeral Home in Morristown.