Jerry L. Anderson, age 81 of Paducah, passed away on Monday, October 28, 2024. He was born on November 4, 1942 in Paducah to Paul B and Gertie Mae Wilkins Anderson. He married the love of his life, Sherry Mattingly Anderson on June 6, 1980.
Jerry was an outstanding baseball player and pitcher throughout his elementary, middle, and high school years. After graduation from Reidland High School in 1960, Jerry was recruited by Coach Johnny Reagan to play for Murray State University. Coach Reagan made it possible for Jerry to attend the university where he received a full athletic scholarship along with an assistantship during graduate school. In April 1965, Murray State University made OVC history. In a doubleheader against Austin Peay State University, George Dugan first pitched a no-hitter and in the second game, Jerry pitched a perfect game. It is a feat that has never been duplicated before, or since in the OVC.
In 1967, Jerry received a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Industrial Education from Murray State University. He received a second master’s degree in Human Resources and Counseling from Murray State University in 1984.
After college, Jerry taught Industrial Arts at Metropolis Community High School and was the Dean of Students. In 1976, he transitioned into the real estate profession opening the Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Agency in Paducah. In 1979, he returned to education as a Guidance and Career Counselor at Paducah Community College which is now West Kentucky Community and Technical College. Over the next 33 years, he worked with thousands of students and was proud of any positive impact he had on their lives.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 44 years, Sherry Anderson, a daughter, Heather Traylor and husband, Mark of Nashville, Tennessee, grandsons Hibbs Traylor and Smith Traylor of Nashville, a sister, Patricia Hammons of Paducah, and nephews, Steven Anderson of Santa Rosa, California, Barry Hammons of Paducah, and Mark Hammons and wife, Pam of Paducah.
He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, a brother, Paul E. Anderson and wife, Jean, brother-in-law Harold Hammons, and nephew, David Anderson.
A celebration of life is planned for a later date. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to MSU Athletics Baseball Program Attn: Taylor Mudd, 217 Stewart Stadium, Murray, KY 42071 or to the Community Kitchen Inc., P.O. Box 1252, Paducah, KY 42002.
Milner and Orr Funeral Home of Paducah is in charge of arrangements.
