Jerry Dale Manley

Jerry Dale Manley, age 74, of Lewisburg, TN passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at NHC Lewisburg.

A 1969 graduate of Petersburg High School “Prof” (as he was known to his friends) continued his education at Motlow College and Middle TN State University, receiving a Bachelors degree in Journalism. After graduation, Jerry Dale worked for The Gallatin News Examiner for a short time before moving to the Clarksville Leaf Chronicle as a reporter until he was promoted to copy desk chief/news editor. He stayed with the Leaf Chronicle for nearly a decade and became an original member of “The News Brothers”, a group of young journalist who put together newspapers. After leaving the Leaf Chronicle, he accepted a position with The Murfreesboro Daily News for a short time. He then reached his goal of joining the staff at The Tennessean, working as both a copy editor and night city editor for nearly 28 years. After leaving the newspaper business, he served as an Adjunct Professor of Journalism at his alma mater MTSU.

Jerry Dale loved reading, especially detective novels, watching old movies and gardening. He loved canning and preserving vegetables from his garden and often brought his canned pickles to the office for his coworkers.

He will be remembered as a wonderful father, brother, uncle, and friend.

He is survived by his two children, John Michael (Mary) Manley of Lewisville TX, Mary Jane Manley (James Leonard-Martin) of Nashville, TN, and a devoted nephew and caregiver, Steven Reed of Lewisburg, TN. Jerry Dale is survived by 5 siblings, Mike (Connie) Mills of Lewisburg, TN, Vicki (Darrell) Horton of Smyrna, TN, Terry (Sharon) Mills of Lawrenceburg, TN, Kathi (Steve) Calahan of Lewisburg, TN, and Phillip (Bonnie) Manley of Florence, AL, along with many nieces and nephews.

Jerry Dale was preceded in death by his parents, James Gilmore Mills and Doris Jean Norwood Mills, and sister in law, Charlene “Sam” Mills.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at Lawrence Funeral Home in Chapel Hill TN. Visitation will begin at 2pm with the memorial service at 4pm. Burial will follow at Old Orchard Cemetery in Petersburg, TN.

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

LAWRENCE FUNERAL HOME and CREMATION SERVICES, 203 South Horton Pkwy, Chapel Hill, TN, 931-364-2233, is in charge arrangements.