Jerry Grant Range, age 86, of Elizabethton, TN passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, May 30th, 2026 surrounded by his loving family, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born on Shell Creek, TN on September 12, 1939. He was the son of the late L. A. Range, Sr. & Josephine Hoss Range.

Jerry was a 1957 graduate of Elizabethton High School, and he later attended Steed College. He proudly served in the United States Army, 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles), from 1957 to 1960. He also served in Germany during his Army career as a forward observer. He later spent 4 years employed by Raytheon Corp, but he found his true calling at the local telephone company where he worked for 41 years. He was the former Executive Vice President of Communication Workers of America, Local 3871 for 8 years, during which time he negotiated many successful labor contracts.

Jerry was a charter member of the Stuttgart-American Skydiver's Club in Stuttgart, Germany. He later was a member of the Leaping Lizards Skydiver's Club in the Tri-Cities in the late 1960's. He was well known for making 'standing landings', and he and a friend made the only parachute water landing at Watauga Lake in the mid 1960's. Jerry loved the outdoors and spent lots of time hiking the mountains of East TN. He also loved taking his family boating on Watauga Lake, and he was an excellent water skier. He loved Tennessee VOLS football and attended games wherever they played. Jerry loved to travel and had been to 45 of the contiguous states, Mexico, Hawaii, the Virgin Islands, French West Indes, Germany, and England. Jerry was a generous man, and he loved helping those in need, which he did frequently during his life.

Jerry was saved and baptized at First Freewill Baptist Church in Elizabethton in the mid 1960s. He later attended the Roan Street Church of God for several years. Due to his illness, he had not been able to attend services in recent years.

He was preceded in death by his father, L. A. Range, Sr., his mother Josephine Hoss Range, a half brother, Lewis Younce, half-sister Jeanette Range Emrick, brothers L. A. Range, Jr. and Jackie Range, a sister, Joann Range Perry, and a son-in-law, Staff Sgt. Stephen R. Maddies.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sandra (Gracie) Range, son Christopher A. Range (Caroline), daughter Cheryl Range Stevens (Jonathan), daughter Jennifer Range Maddies Archer (Brent), grandchildren Jessica Range Tullos (Dietrich), Erika Range, Amelia Range Proffitt (Luke), Chloe Range, Cosmo Vriens, Cameron Stevens (Kinzey), Carson Stevens, Tyler Stevens (Amanda), Megan Maddies Clement (John), Marlee Archer, great grandson, Cash Stevens, great-grandaughters, Everly Ann Stevens and Elliott Grace Stevens, and two great-grandaughters due in late July and December respectively. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and long time friend and 101st Army Airborne buddy, Ron Ashlock (wife Sharon) whom he had known since 1956.

The family would like to thank the Veteran's Administration Hospital for the loving and excellent care they provided over the past several years, especially Dr. Tamarro Taylor, Oncologist, and the Oncology Nurses. Also, thank you to Silver Angels (Jon Lowe) for the help and support over the past several months, and to Amedisys Hospice employees who cared for Jerry at home during his illness.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Memorial Funeral Chapel, 212 North Main St., Elizabethton, TN. The funeral service will follow from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. The eulogy will be given by Jerry's son, Christopher Range. The service will be conducted by Rev. Jody Bewley and Rev. John H. Stevens. Immediately following the funeral service, those who wish may follow in procession to Happy Valley Memorial Park for the burial. Military honors will be provided by the Honor Guard.

Pallbearers will be Brent Archer, Jonathan Stevens, Cameron Stevens, Carson Stevens, Tyler Stevens, Joseph Cottle, Bill Rogers and Mark Davis. Honorary Pallbearers will be Ron Ashlock, Wayne Kirkham and Tommy Range.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry's honor may be made to Smoky Mountain Children's Home, 449 McCarn Circle, Sevierville, TN 37862. Condolences may be sent to the family at our website: www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.

Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Range Family.