Gerald "Jerry" Dewitt Farmer

Gerald "Jerry" Dewitt Farmer, born on April 2, 1942, in Athens, Georgia, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2024. Jerry was a beloved entrepreneur known for his dedication and commitment to his work, which had a profound impact on his community and beyond.

Jerry ran a clean and honorable rock n' roll teen club in Athens, GA from 1965 to 1967 and started the J & J Entertainment Corporation, more commonly known as the J & J Center, located at 1700 Commerce Rd. in Athens, GA for nearly three decades. He also owned the J & J Flea Market located at 11661 Commerce Rd. for close to three decades commencing in 1985. Jerry who was once coined the "Country Music Kingpin" has tirelessly contributed to the success of countless Nashville stars that he brought to Athens for shows at his club. He was a significant driving force in the promotion of their careers. Jerry and the J & J Center has played a key role in the elevation, support and success of many country music celebrities such as Ronnie Milsap, Gene Watson, the Oak Ridge Boys, Travis Tritt, Charlie Pride, Ivory Jac, Don Williams, Neal McCoy, Marty Stuart, Conway Twitty, Barbara Mandrell, Leon Everette, David, Wills, Wayne Kemp, Little David Wilkins, Alan Jackson, Ronnie McDowell, Narvel Felts, T. Graham Brown, Johnny Paycheck, Billy Joe Royal, Doug Stone, Keith Whitley, Hank Williams, Jr., John Anderson, The Statler Brothers, Orion, Mel Street and many more. 

Jerry devoted his life works to the northeast Georgia music community and that the love for music that this region of the state has enjoyed over the last five decades can be traced back to this Clarke County native. Jerry has always been a man of high character and his approach to dealing with the public in a fair and honest way has become his legacy, He is known by his deeds, one whose words that you could take to the bank, and he has always exemplified the true meaning of integrity and good will for all mankind.

Brian Kemp, Governor of the State of Georgia, proclaimed August 28, 2021 as JERRY FARMER DAY in Georgia.

Although Jerry had many accomplishments in life, his family will always remember him as a loving spouse to his wife, Louise Kyttle Farmer; the best daddy to his two daughters, Tammy (Tommy) Gooch and Jeris Farmer; and his cherished grandchildren: Briana Culbertson, Bradly Gooch, Buck Jackel, and Ireland Axley. Jerry was also a proud grandfather to his great-grandchildren: Bristan Culbertson, Emberli Culbertson, Kade Culbertson, Avalee Culbertson, and Graelyn Culbertson; sister-in-law, Mary Sue Farmer; and a niece, Dede Farmer. His family was the cornerstone of his life, and he took great joy in their accomplishments and happiness.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, James Edward Farmer and Mildred Francine Wardlaw Farmer, whose love and guidance shaped his character and values. Also, his beloved brother who you never saw him without, Jimmy Farmer; and a nephew, Scott Farmer.

A visitation will be held in his honor on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Ivie Funeral Home located at 1053 S. Elm Street, Commerce, GA 30529. Following this, a funeral service will take place on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 2:00 PM at New Harmony Baptist Church, 55 Short Cut Road, Nicholson, GA 30565 with Rev. Conine and Rev. Geter officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects and celebrate the life of this remarkable man who touched the lives of many.

Jerry's legacy will live on through the many lives he has influenced, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.