Jerry Allen Truitt's Obituary
Dr. Jerry Allen Truitt, D.V.M. passed away June 7, 2015, in Memphis, Tennessee after fighting a three year battle with cancer. He was born February 2, 1941 in Crittenden County Kentucky and raised in Owensboro, Kentucky. Jerry graduated from Daviess County High School and studied at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. He received a four-year scholarship from the University of Kentucky to Auburn University to obtain a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Jerry graduated from Auburn in June 1966. After graduation, he served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force stationed in Blytheville, Arkansas as the Base Veterinarian from 1966-1968 After leaving the Air Force, Dr. Truitt resided and practiced Veterinary Medicine in Shelby County for 46 years. He was an active member of Hope Presbyterian since 1997. Dr. Truitt had many successful years as a veterinarian and belonged to the Tennessee Veterinary Association, Memphis Shelby County Veterinary Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, and American Animal Hospital Association. In 1971, he partnered and created a patented instrument to save dogs from heart worms before preventative medicines were available. A highlight of his career was serving as Elvis Presley’s veterinarian at his Brooks Road Animal Hospital. He is survived by his children, Tonya Truitt Rochefort (Leonard), Jerry Allen Truitt II (Andrea) and Wesley Chadwick Truitt (Stephanie); his grandchildren, Mary Morgan Truitt, Zoe Matthews Clark, Jerry Allen Truitt III, Madelyn Hughes Truitt, and Amelia Claire Truitt. He is preceded in death by infant daughter, Heather Elise Truitt. He is survived by his siblings, Linda Miller (John), Karen DeWitt (Winson), Paul Truitt (Salvia), Joe Truitt (Susan) and Brenda Jones (Millard). He is preceded in death by his parents, Evans and Mildred McKinley Truitt and brothers, Charles Truitt and Donald Truitt. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews that adored him. The family would like to give a special thank you to Janey Dunlap for being his best friend, as well as, providing him with comfort and loving care these last few years. Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 10, 2015 from 11:30-1:00 p.m. and a memorial service will immediately follow at 1 p.m.., all at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be sent to Collierville Animal Shelter or Humane Society of Memphis. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38119, (901) 767-8930, “Behind the Stone Wall.”
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