Mr. Jerry Mack Sullivan

Jerry Mack Sullivan, Sr., 80, passed away on October 17, 2015 at his home in Brandon, Mississippi. He was born in Mize, Mississippi on October 12, 1935, husband of the late Anita Geneva Hollister Sullivan and son of Hollis Desmond “H.D.” Sullivan and Wilma Martin Sullivan. He was the eldest of three siblings, a caring husband and a loving father who was known for his energetic spirit, keen intellect, exceptional sense of humor and cheerful personality. Mr. Sullivan attended Pearl High School in Pearl, Mississippi where he was referred to by most as an “All American Boy”. He was an exceptional athlete in football, basketball as well as baseball. As a graduating senior in 1954 he was named among other things, Mr. Pearl High, Most Handsome, Class Favorite, Most Versatile, Most Intellectual and Best Dressed. Jerry served as President of the Student Council, an active member of the Jolly Roger Club, Business Manager of the Annual Staff and writer and editor of the school newspaper. His fellow classmates frequently stated “Jerry has the good looks to attract the girls and the personality to hold their interest”. As an aspiring young Christian, Jerry was an active member of Pearson Road Baptist Church in Pearl. Mr. Sullivan continued his education at Jackson School of Law while at the same time entering his career in banking as assistant manager with First National Bank in Jackson. Jerry quickly assumed additional responsibilities during the banks’ expansion in the 1960’s serving in various executive roles. While continuing his studies in law and duties in banking, Mr. Sullivan fulfilled his duty to his country by his military service as an airman and Staff Sergeant of the 172nd Air Police Flight of the Mississippi Air National Guard. During the early 60’s Mr. Sullivan served in the Guard detail that raised the first American Flag at the newly constructed Thompson Field, Mississippi Air National Guard Base in Jackson, Mississippi. Mr. Sullivan also fulfilled his civic duty in a number of positions including serving as a deputy of the Hinds and Rankin County Sheriff’s Departments and as a Colonel under Governor John Bell Williams during his term in office between 1968 and 1972. His life was truly one of constant honor, integrity and unwavering service to God, family, friends and his community. In the late 70’s Jerry and his wife Anita relocated to San Antonio, Texas where he continued his career with the U.S. Treasury Department as a federal bank examiner. Mr. Sullivan later relocated to Austin, Texas where he continued his government service in various roles with the treasury department until his retirement. Mr. Sullivan was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. As an entrepreneur he pursued private investment opportunities in oil and gas ventures and real estate. Mr. Sullivan touched the hearts of numerous people, made a significant impact on many different segments of business during his lifetime and played an instrumental role in everything in which he was involved. Following his wife’s death, in 2013 Mr. Sullivan relocated back to his home state of Mississippi to reunite with family and friends. Mr. Sullivan is survived by his son, Jerry M. Sullivan, Jr. and his wife Patti McCarty Sullivan of Ridgeland; brother, Charles Ronald “Ronnie” Sullivan and his wife Dianne of Brandon; brother, Stephen “Steve” Desmond Sullivan and his wife Sharlette of Florence; step-daughter, Cheryl Ann Gaddis of Terry; step-daughter, Stephanie Lynn Gaddis of Jackson; step-son, David Lawrence Gaddis and his wife Michelle of Tampa, Florida; step-son, James Michael Gaddis and his wife Eva of San Antonio, Texas; three grandchildren, Kelly Sullivan Hirn and her husband Chad of Madison; Jerry Mack Sullivan, III of Ridgeland; Christopher Ryan Sullivan and his wife Alayna of Charleston, South Carolina; nine step-grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; thirteen great step-grandchildren, along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews, other extended family members and a great host of friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Make-A-Wish Mississippi, 576 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 120, Ridgeland, Mississippi 39157; Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216; and Dream Central of Chattanooga c/o Community Bridgebuilders, Inc., P.O. Box 16485 Chattanooga, Tennessee 37416. Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 21, 2015 from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. at Chancellor Funeral Home, 2576 US Highway 49, Florence, Mississippi 39073. Services will immediately follow the visitation with Reverend Calvin Cosnahan officiating. Interment at Lakewood South Cemetery, 430 McCluer Road, Jackson, Mississippi 39212.