Gerald Charles Fugate

Gerald Charles Fugate, 85, farmer, gardener, family patriarch and churchman, passed away on January 22, 2025, after an extended fight with cancer. Jerry was born at home on the farm in Blount County on June 13, 1939. He was the second youngest of ten children born to Elisha and Jennie Fugate. He was educated at Binfield Elementary and Friendsville High School and attended the University of Tennessee studying Mechanical Engineering. He was an avid athlete in his younger days and remained an enthusiastic follower of the University of Tennessee sports teams throughout his life. Jerry spent most of his professional career at the Aluminum Company of America, retiring in 2000 after 40 Years of employment. Even though he never obtained his college diploma, Jerry achieved certification as a Professional Mechanical Engineer in the State of Tennessee. In recent years Jerry dedicated himself to farming and gardening, actively tending and managing his cattle herd up until the very week of his death. Jerry was an avid gardener and loved nothing better than sharing all kinds of home-grown vegetables with friends and family. He was a faithful member of Fairview United Methodist Church and its Sparkplug Sunday School Class for 61 years. He steadfastly served on committees and in various church leadership positions throughout his adult life.

Jerry was preceded in death by a son, Patrick Stacy Fugate; Sisters, Mary McCall, Wilma Akers, Betty Taylor, and Jimmie Mize; and Brothers, Earl, Don, and Lon. 

Survived by high school sweetheart and loving wife of 64 years Mary Hazel; Sons, Scott (Lynne) and Stan (Christy); Grandsons, Henley (Ashleigh), Patrick (Maggie), Jacob, and Joshua; Great Grandsons Douglas, Malcolm, and George; Brothers, Bob (June) and Mike (Sheila). Also a multitude of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Fairview Church, Maryville Tennessee at 12:30 pm on Saturday, January 25, 2025, with a celebration of life service commencing at 1:30 pm, Dr. Jerry Russell and Reverend Gilbert Harris, presiding. The interment service will be held 3:00 pm at Grandview Cemetery. The family requests memorials be directed to Fairview Church.