JERRY MINOR

Jerry Wilburn Minor, age 81, of Middlesboro, Bell County, Kentucky went home to be with the Lord on July 16, 2026, after a short battle with lung cancer. On November 5, 1944, at the family home in Middlesboro, Ky. Jerry was born the fourth child of nine children to Charlie and Mary Rains Minor, who preceded him in death.

Jerry was a well-known, respected Bell County School teacher whose career spanned from his first-year teaching at Closplint in Harlan County, Kentucky, to Bell County’s Buckeye Elementary School, to Ward Chapel Elementary School, and then to his final position as principal at Yellow Creek Elementary School before retiring. No one had a passion for teaching quite like Jerry. Having no children of his own, his students filled that void. He instilled a love for reading as he read the book “Summer of the Monkeys” to his class at Ward Chapel Elementary School every single year and was recalling all those wonderful memories just days before his passing.

Jerry enjoyed Crappie fishing, collecting antiques with his friend Ron Stinsel, playing cornhole, and cheering on his Kentucky Wildcats. His passion for people was reflected in the many meals he cooked for widows, friends and family.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his brothers, Wayne Minor and Charles Minor, his sister, Lorene (Wilburn) Smith.

Left to cherish his memory is the family he loved so dearly, Brothers Calvin Minor, and Claude Minor of Middlesboro, Ky., Sisters Bonnie (Don) Cody of Middlesboro, Ky., Carolyn Massengill of Harrogate, Tn., and Cecile Parker of Speedwell, Tn. 

As well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Bluegrass Hospice for their compassionate care which brought comfort to Jerry and his family.

The family of Jerry Minor will receive friends on Sunday, July 19, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Green Hills Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at the Green Hills Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Paul Gilbert presiding. Music will be provided by Ronnie and Teresa Carey.

Graveside Services will immediately follow at the Smith Cemetery in the Stevens Branch Community of Middlesboro, Kentucky where Jerry grew up.

Pallbearers will be family members that Jerry loved dearly.

Honorary Pallbearers will be his beloved brother, Calvin Minor, his corn-hole buddies and Lawrence Hatfield.

Green Hills Funeral Home, Middlesboro, is honored to serve the Minor Family.

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