JOHN WILEY "JAY" EPPERSON

J.W. “Jay” Epperson, age 76, of Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, won his battle and received his complete healing on June 25, 2026 while at his home surrounded by his wife and children.

Jay was born at home on Powell River on May 31, 1950 to the late Woodrow and Stella Smith Epperson.  One of 15 children, he was no stranger to hard work, family values and giving of himself to people in need.  An avid farmer and gardener, he spent his days outdoors doing what he loved; working in his garden and sharing the fruits of his labor with neighbors and people in need.

Jay accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age and was baptized in his later years.  He was a member of Summey’s Bridge Missionary Baptist Church.  His love for the Lord showed in his willingness to help other people.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Stella Epperson, brothers, Don, Earl, and Bob Epperson, sisters, Betty Joe Epperson, Opal Brooks, and Nadine Painter, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Richard and Mary Lundy.

Jay is survived by his sweetheart, wife and best friend of 51 years, Debra Epperson, son, John (Lisa) Epperson of Tazewell, Tennessee, daughter, Stella (Scott) Nelson of Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, grandchildren, Kaitlyn Chicos of Whitmire, South Carolina, Emilee Williams of LaFollette, Tennessee, Baeli Nelson of Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, Ashton Epperson and Ashlee Epperson of Tazewell, Tennessee, Jacob (Heidi) Nelson of Knoxville, Tennessee, great-grandchildren, Annabeth and Winter Chicos and Emma Nelson, brothers, Jack (Darlene) Epperson, Bill (Dottie) Epperson, Oscar (Deloris) Epperson, James Epperson, and Woodrow Epperson, Jr., sisters, Edna West, Hazel Keck, Ann Painter, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends who will miss him dearly.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Beacon Hospice for the care provided that allowed Jay to be in the place he loved so much; his bother Bill who came every day without fail to feed animals or whatever needed to be done.  Thank you, Jack and Darlene Epperson for always being just a phone call away.  And to nephew Christopher who was more than just a nephew; his coon hunting buddy, who even when he couldn’t hunt any more would run the dogs just so Jay could hear them chase that coon one more time…Thank you!

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Summey’s Bridge Missionary Baptist Church.

The funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Johnny Parker (his favorite horseshoe buddy presiding. Music will be provided by Marilyn Rowland, and Rex and Sue Tuttle.

Family and friends will follow in procession to the Epperson Family Cemetery located on the Powell River for graveside services.

John Epperson, Scott Nelson, Ashton Epperson, Jacob Nelson, Paul Clark and Christopher Epperson will serve as pallbearers.    

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

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