Jerry Monroe Cherry, age 78, of Horse Cave, passed away peacefully, on Sunday, October 6, 2024 at his home. Jerry was born on May 14, 1946 in Bowling Green, KY to H.M. and Holine Raymer Cherry.
Jerry was a member of the Horse Cave United Methodist Church. He was a 1964 graduate of Caverna High School. Jerry obtained his Bachelor’s Degree from Western Kentucky University in 1968; during his time at WKU, he was also a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. After graduation from WKU, Jerry enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served from 1969-1973. He was stationed in Clovis, New Mexico and completed a tour of duty overseas in Thailand during his tenure in the military. Mr. Cherry was a former member of the Caverna Board of Education. At the time of his death, Jerry was a member of the Horse Cave Public Library Board and the Caveland Environmental Authority (CEA) Board.
After serving his country, Jerry proudly worked alongside his father at Midway Wholesale Distributors. Jerry then went on to have very successful careers with Metropolitan Life, KY Financial Group, and, finally, worked on his own as an independent insurance broker. Even well into retirement, Jerry continued to help people with their financial and insurance decisions, as he was a sound giver of advice for all. Jerry’s love and passion could also be seen in the collections he curated. He had a true knack for picking up rare pieces and antiques. From priceless dishes, to unique walking canes, exquisite furniture, and beautiful jewelry, he relished in collecting, refinishing, gifting, and re-selling items. He possessed a creative spirit and had the heart of a true collector of all things beautiful. Jerry had a real eye for detail and design; he loved to find a good deal and had a hidden talent for needlepoint. He fiercely loved his family, and he looked forward to each time they would gather together in his home. He was a very proud grandfather and it thrilled him to watch each of his grandchildren play sports. Grilling, playing cards, assembling puzzles, and spending precious time with loved ones made Jerry happy, especially over the last four years. Jerry’s laugh was one of a kind; his quick wit and smile will certainly be missed.
Jerry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle. Mr. Cherry was preceded in death by his parents, H.M. and Holine Raymer Cherry, sister, Vickie Cherry Bunch, father and mother-in-law, Chuck and Marie Shuster, grandparents, Harry and Felia Belle Cherry and Hollie and Ella Raymer, sister-in-law, Kay Coombs, brother-in-law, Leroy Orwick, and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Jerry is survived by the love of his life, Mary Louise, whom he married on June 8, 1968. His memory will also live on through his children and their spouses, Holly Taylor (Chris) and Amy Antle (Garrett) of Bardstown, and Graham Cherry (Sierra) of Lexington. Seven grandchildren also survive: Madison (David) Current, Jacob (Jamie) Taylor, Ellie Taylor, Knox and Isabella Antle, and Scout and Monroe Cherry. Jerry was very proud and excited that his first great grandchild is due in Spring 2025.
Additionally, Jerry is survived by his brothers-in-law, Larry Bunch and John Coombs, sister-in-law, Pat Shuster, nieces and nephews, Carrie and Kyle (Kaycee) Bunch and Meredith and Jonathan Coombs, along with several great nieces and nephews.
He also leaves many cousins and friends to cherish his memory.
A celebration of life for Jerry Monroe Cherry will be held Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 1:00 pm/CST at the Horse Cave United Methodist Church with burial to follow in the Horse Cave Municipal Cemetery. Family will receive friends from noon until time of the service on Saturday, October 12, 2024.
Winn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Cherry.
