Franklin – George Thomas "GT" Jernigan, Jr., 87, passed away May 12, 2025 in UVA Health University Medical Center surrounded by his family.  Born in Powellsville, NC, he was a son of the late George Thomas Jernigan, Sr. and Elma Holloman Jernigan.  He was also predeceased by a brother, Richard Jernigan (Julia); sister-in-law, Linda Jernigan; and a brother-in-law, Everett Jernigan.

GT was a 1957 graduate of Ahoskie High School and served in the National Guard.  He was a retired millwright for International Paper after 43 years of service.  GT was a member of Carrsville Community Hunt Club, the Bronco Rod and Gun Club, and the Gates County Hunt Club.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards with his buddies, and cooking.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 64 years, Sue Williams Jernigan; a daughter, Kelli Gillette (Steve); a son, George Thomas "Tommy" Jernigan, III (Andrea); four sisters, Martha Jernigan (Don), Gail Jernigan, Linda Cartwright (Ray), and Judy Mizell (Lin); two brothers, Gene Jernigan (Nancy) and Steve Jernigan; grandchildren, T. J. Jernigan (Holly), Jesse Jernigan (Connie), William Jernigan (Kelsey), Alex Gillette (Kaylynn), Zachary Gillette, Shelbi Gillette, Haley Long (Jamie), and Mason Jernigan; step-grandchildren, Lee Scott (Shannon) and Jonathan Scott (Taylor); and great grandchildren, Aaliyah, Kaitlyn, Ziva, Bailey, Lexi, Preston, Lillie, Raelynn, and baby Gillette in August; and step great grandchildren, Dean, Harlee, and Leafy.  He was fiercely proud and protective of his family.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2PM Friday, May 16, 2025 in Wright Funeral Home with Pastor Preston Jernigan officiating.  Burial will follow in Southampton Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the funeral home and suggests that memorial donations be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 13770 Noel Rd., Suite 801889, Dallas, TX 75380.  The family will receive friends at Steve and Kelli Gillette's house following the service.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org