Billy (Bill) Howard Jernigan, age 97, of Sparta,  passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, June 26, 2026.

Bill was born on August 4, 1928 in Double Springs, Tennessee to the late Jere Baxter Jernigan and Mattie Pippin Jernigan.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Della Carolyn Lee Jernigan who passed on May 21, 2026, his son Charles Patrick (Pat), his sisters Mary Morene Jernigan Allen (Cecil James (C.J.)) and Jerry Jernigan Kinnamon (Ralph Clifford (Sam)).

Bill graduated from Cookeville High School and started his college training at Tennessee Polytechnic Institute until he was drafted into the army to serve in the Korean War.   He served in the Korean Conflict from 1950 to 1952 as a Corporal in the U.S. Army.   He loved seeing the world and told fellow soldiers about growing up listening to the Grand Ole Opry.  On September 18, 2019, he and Janice went on the Honor Flight of Middle Tennessee, where they flew early morning to Washington D.C. to visit the Korean Memorial, Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials, and the Arlington National Cemetery and had dinner on the military base, before flying home that same evening.  He was awarded the Quilt of Valor for his service in the Korean War, at his ceremony, July 30, 2022, he was asked what was most memorable about his time in the service, he stated the landing of his plane and being home.

After his return home, he went back to Tennessee Polytechnic Institute to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Husbandry in the College of Agriculture.   He took his first job, after graduation, with the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service as an assistant county agent, working with 4-H students in White County.  A few months later, he married the love of his life, Della Carolyn Lee on October 28, 1955. Bill worked for the University of Tennessee Extension Service for 39 years and retired in 1994. During his tenure, he served as coordinator of livestock shows and agricultural exhibits at the fair.  He received the Distinguished Service Award from the Tennessee Association of Agricultural Agents and Specialists, where he also served as Tennessee state president for several years.  As president, he enjoyed planning the annual meetings for the Tennessee delegation in Washington, Wyoming, District of Columbia, Arkansas, Texas, and Tennessee.

Bill's after work hours and in retirement,  were spent farming.  He raised beef cattle, hogs, horses, chickens, and alpacas.  Crops he raised were tobacco, hay, corn, and soybeans, as well as, a huge garden for his family and sharing with his friends.  His love of hunting led him to raise pointer bird dogs and beagle hounds.

He managed and farmed the very farm where he was raised in Cookeville and the Lee-Jernigan farm where his wife was raised, both farms are Tennessee Century Farms.

Bill loved UT football and supported the teams during winning and losing seasons.  He kept season tickets at UT for over 50 years.  He would go to a UT football day game and go to Tennessee Technological University that same night to support his alma mater, where he played football on the same field for Jelly Watson.   He enjoyed his parking pass at UT football games, going to bowl games and supporting his team even if they didn't win.

Bill was a member of the Sparta Rotary Club, Sparta Lodge #99, and the American Legion for over 60 years.  He was awarded the most prestigious honor, the Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary International.  He loved cooking for the annual barbeque fundraiser and attending the golf tournament at the Sparta Country Club.

Bill was most proud of his only grandson, Eric, and loved being called Pa.  He was proud of Eric's education and accomplishments.  He encouraged Eric to hunt, fish, and camp.  On Wednesday, he was so excited that Eric and his bride, Emily, came to visit with him before their honeymoon.

He is survived by his daughter, Janice Lee Jernigan Heikkenen, and his grandson, Dr. Eric Michael Heikkenen (Emily Clelland Heikkenen).  A host of nieces and nephews also survive.

The family would like to express a special thank you to Bobbie Presley, Jessica Wheeler, Sandra Smith, Joan Chadwick, and Christi Sims for their care during the past year.

Visitation will be held at the First Christian Church in Sparta, TN, on Sunday, July 12, at 1:00 p.m. followed by a celebration of life at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask you to donate to the Youth Fund at First Christian Church, 109 Gaines St., Sparta, TN  38583.