Jerry Gaw

Jerry Lewis Gaw, age 70, of Nashville, TN was received by the Lord on February 1, 2023. He was at home with family and friends and surrounded with love during a brief illness.

On March 12, 1952, Jerry was born to Lewis and Sylvia Gaw in Gainesboro, TN. They spent 6 years in Warren, MI where he played trumpet in the marching band and was baptized in 1965. The family returned to Gainesboro soon after and he began preaching at small surrounding congregations of the Church of Christ at age 17. His love of the Lord dictated that he try to spread the Gospel in some way for the rest of his life. Over the years he preached in Florida and Louisiana; his final preaching placement was at Cheap Hill Church of Christ in Chapmansboro, TN. All the “Cheap-Hill-ians” have become family through Christ and in heart after almost 25 years.

Education was important to Jerry. Graduating with honors from then David Lipscomb College with a degree in History he became the first in his family to attend college. The Master of Arts was completed at Northwestern State University, followed by the Doctor of Philosophy from Mississippi State University in 1990. Jerry was now ready fulfill his dream of teaching at the college level; his Lipscomb students benefitted from his humor and knowledge of European history.  However, his passion was British History (especially Victorian). The desire to travel resulted in multiple trips abroad with both the then Lipscomb Study Abroad program as well as developing history based tours. Research on some of his trips was used to author two books: A Time To Heal about Joseph Lister, and David Lloyd George: The Politics of Religious Conviction. He retired from Lipscomb after 37 years.

After Lipscomb graduation in 1974 Jerry moved to Pensacola, FL to teach middle and high school at Escambia Christian school. At church there he met Vicki Clayton. They were married and blessed to serve the Lord together 46 years. Their greatest gift from God is their son, David, the light of their life. Like his Dad, David has a beautiful tenor voice and a heart for the Lord.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Vicki and son, David. Sister, Joy Chaffin (Gene); beloved niece Sherrie Rush (Stanley), and nephews Randall Chaffin, Daniel Chaffin (Jill) and Tracy O’Shields (Stacy); and treasured family and friends.

Jerry has now joined parents, Lewis Gaw & Sylvia (Hix), Sister Shirley O’Shields and brother Gary Gaw among other loved ones in their heavenly home.

Memorial to be held at Cheap Hill Church of Christ, 2840 Hwy 12 North, Chapmansboro, TN 37035 on March 11, 2023 beginning at 1 o’clock. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Potter Children’s Home, Alive Hospice, or the worthy cause of your choice.