Mr. Jerry Wayne Denton, age 78 of Sparta, passed away at 2:45pm on Monday, October 12, 2026 at Grandview Post Acute in Cookeville, Tennessee.

Jerry was born April 3, 1948 in Sparta, Tennessee to the late Willard Melvin and Eva Edith Wilson Denton. He was a dairy farm laborer. Jerry was an avid fan of westerns from Gunsmoke to Walker Texas Ranger and never missed a John Wayne movie. He enjoyed tinkering in his shed and working on old cars. Jerry didn’t like to stay at home and could be found riding the roads. He will be fondly remembered for his love of banana milkshakes, honey buns and ice cream.

Survivors include his five children: Jerry Dewayne (Jeannie) Denton, Betty (Steven) Walden, Janie Denton, Travis Denton and Brandon Denton

Grandchildren: Brian (Becca) Denton, Amanda (Jamaine) Brinson, Aundrea Denton, Kristen Burroughs and Lincoln Denton

Great grandchildren: Ky’Mani Brinson, Jashawn Brinson, Zaylen Brinson and Donovan Denton

Siblings: Lewis Denton, Leroy Denton, Edith Denton, Lois (John) Johnson and Shirley (Jack) Hensley

Funeral services will be conducted 1:00pm Thursday, October 15, 2026 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home with burial in Copeland Chapel Cemetery. Bro. Everette Wilson will officiate the service.  The family will receive friends after 11:00am Thursday at Hunter Funeral Home. 

Brandon Denton, Dewayne Denton, Travis Denton, Travis Davis, Devan Taylor and Monica Smith will serve as pallbearers.