Jimmie Dale Petry

Jimmie Dale Petry, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother passed away on June 18, 2025, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He was born on November 15, 1946, in Annapolis, Maryland. Jimmie’s life was marked by a blend of service, love, and a deep passion for family and cars that shaped not just his existence but also the lives of those around him.

Jimmie idolized his grandfather Joseph and would often reflect fondly on riding around in his old Cadillac. They instilled the importance of family and faith. Taking him to church and raising him as a Baptist. He didn't see much of a future in the rural surroundings he found himself in, so he set his sights on a way to get out and see the world. He joined the Navy and served during the Vietnam War.

After completing his military service, Jimmie embarked on a diverse career path that showcased his entrepreneurial spirit and mechanical prowess. His passion for classic cars became a lifelong hobby—Jimmie took joy in repairing and restoring them. This led to the establishment of Midway Paint and Body in LaVergne, Tennessee, where he devoted nearly 30 years to specializing in paint and body work and antique car restoration. Much to his delight, the work he loved became a lasting legacy, one that he shared with his children, imparting his knowledge and igniting their own passions.

In his private life, Jimmie was a devoted family man. He and his first wife, Pamela, were married young, embarking on the beautiful journey of parenthood when she was just 18. Their loving home welcomed two boys and two girls, reflecting the strong family values they both cherished. Family heritage played a significant role in their lives, and many of their children’s names honored their ancestors' legacies. Some of their treasured family memories are the canoeing trips down the Current River in Branson, Missouri. Other times they would just get together at one of their homes for a game of cards. They filled their years with adventures and cherished memories. They were blessed with 23 years of marriage before her untimely passing at an early age.

Though faced with profound loss, Jimmie's commitment to being a nurturing father never waned. Jimmie was their life skills coach teaching them the lessons of how to survive and thrive in the world. Imparting practical knowledge about finances, construction, auto mechanics, and how to love unconditionally. He showed himself as a man of few words, but when he did speak the children hung on his every word. With the unwavering support of Pamela's family, who embraced him as their own, Jimmie found solace and strength in their closeness.

When he met Carol just a couple years after Pamela's death, they quickly fell in love and married. She devoted herself tirelessly to Jimmie, especially during his struggles with health issues in his later years, providing him emotional support and comfort. Their relationship blossomed into a partnership that exemplified devotion.

Jimmie's warmth extended beyond his immediate family to his many grandchildren—Savannah Pamela, Mallory Ryan, Taylor Ryan, and Irie Daile—who filled his heart with joy. His legacy lived on through their laughter and love. Jimmie also took pride in knowing he had two great grandsons, Tatum and Tallen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene W. Petry and Jean Snyder Petry, first wife, Pamela Sue Petry, grandparents, Joseph and Martha Snyder, and father and mother-in-law, Ernest and Marjorie Young, brother-in-law, Tom Smith, sister and brother-in-law, Candy and Leonard Chapman.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Bedwell Petry; sons Joseph (Angie) Petry and Casey (Monica) Petry; daughters Jamie (Derek) Bohanan and Tannas Knox; stepson Raphel Shinkle; brothers Gary (Cindy) Petry and Scott (Pam) Petry; sister Debbie Smith; his adopted second family, Pamela's siblings—Tommy Young, Ann Cottingham, Jana Young, and Marga Kay Jennings; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who will carry his memory forward.

Jimmie Dale Petry was a man who exemplified love, resilience, and a passion for family and craft. He leaves behind not just a legacy of hard work and dedication but also a heart full of cherished memories that will live on in the stories shared by those who knew and loved him. As he rests now, surrounded by eternal peace, his spirit will continue to thrive in the hearts of his family and friends, forever guiding and inspiring them.

Jimmie was not one to want a fuss made over him. In keeping with his low-key personality, the family will hold a private celebration of his life and spirit. Share memories and condolences with the family at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337. Because every life has a story.