Jerry Bowers Michel

Jerry Bowers Michel

August 15, 1933 — December 23, 2018

Jerry Michel, born Aug. 15, 1933, in Harlingen, Texas, died Dec. 23, 2018, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was raised in Marble Falls, Texas, by his parents, Gus and Lillian Michel, with one older brother, Doug, and a younger sister, Nancy. He graduated from Texas A&M University, Southwestern Theological Seminary, Texas Christian University and the University of Texas. He served in the United States Army as an officer and as a Ranger in Germany for two years, followed by service in the Army reserves. He retired from the University of Memphis in 2003 after 33 years as sociology professor and former chairman of the department. He was a member and deacon of Second Baptist Church in Memphis since 1970.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Peggy Morris Michel; and by his three children, Jana Michel Arwood (Don), Juli Michel Harmon (Ben), and Kyle Goodson Michel (Melanie). He has nine grandchildren: Sam Arwood (Tiffany), Molly Arwood, Josiah Harmon (Brie), Seth Harmon, Michel Harmon, Bridges Michel, Kyle Goodson Michel Jr., Marco Michel and Canaan Michel. He has two great-grandsons, Everett and Griffin Arwood. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Michel Webb (Joe); and many adoring nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and lifelong friends.

Visitation was held at Second Baptist Church, 4680 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, Friday, Dec. 28, with funeral following. Burial was Sunday, Dec. 30, in Lakeland Hills Memorial Park in Burnet, Texas, following visitation and a service held at Clements-Wilcox in Marble Falls.