Jere East

Jere O. East went home to be with the Lord on October 3, 2011. Born February 18, 1929 to the late Clayton and Gladys East of Bells, TN, he was also predeceased by two sisters, Mildred East (infant) and Jean Crattie. Jere graduated from Bells High School and attended Bowling Green Business College in KY. He began his banking career at the Bank of Crockett in Bells. He graduated from The School of Banking of the South at LSU. He continued his career as Vice President and Board Member at First State Bank in Brownsville and later was named President and CEO until his retirement. Jere will be remembered as a dedicated member of the First Methodist Church in Bells and the First United Methodist Church in Brownsville where he served on numerous committees throughtout the years, including Chairman of the Admini- strative Board and, more recently, Building Committee member. Jere was a member of the Tennessee National Guard for 11 years, a TSSAA basketball referee, and served as president of numerous civic organizations. In addition to his churchwork, his passions were golf, bridge, reading, fellowship with friends and family, and traveling with his wife to all 50 states and many foreign countries. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Mary Lou, one son, Clay East (Carolyn) of Knoxville, two daughters, Claire Hougue (Jim) of Jackson, TN and Cindy Wright (Randy) of Memphis; eight grandchildren, Bob Goodson, Hunter East, Shane Naragon, Ginny Fletcher, Martha Gurley, Brandon Wright, Wes Wright and Mary Wright;and four great-grandchildren. First United Methodist Church in Brownsville is the location for visitation on Thursday, October 6 from 5:00-8:00 pm and the funeral service on Friday, October 7 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to FUMC, Building Fund, 117 E. Franklin, Brownsville,TN 38012