Jerry Allen

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Jerry Allen was born January 8, 1951, in Cookeville, Tennessee, and he passed away suddenly at his home on Friday, February 14, 2025, at the age of 74.

Jerry Allen grew up on a small family farm north of Cookeville, TN the youngest, by two minutes of four children of Albert and Georgia Allen. Both parents worked away from the home, so Jerry and his brothers and sister grew up helping with the farm chores and the house.

He attended Jere Whitson Elementary School, Putnam County Senior High School and graduated from Tennessee Tech University with a degree in Animal Science.

Showing quarter horses was always a passion of Jerry’s as well as helping others obtain their goals. From the very beginning he knew this was what he wanted to do. Jerry’s love of horses began when his dad brought home the family pony – Snow Fire. That little pony started it all. Everyone rode Snow Fire even in the Putnam County Fair and much to their surprise they won money and ribbons every time they entered her. They rode her bareback because they did not have a saddle for a few years.

Finally, a saddle was purchased and Jerry’s life changed.

It was natural that Jerry and his twin brother Jimmy would join 4-H at an early age, as soon as they were eligible. Livestock and Dairy Judging, Soil Judging, Beef and other projects were their projects. Soon there will be a horse in his future. Jerry and his family also raised and showed Polled Hereford cattle because that was his dad’s favorite breed. Jerry gave riding lessons to youth and adults for years, and Jerry and his twin brother Jimmy put on AQHA shows in Putnam County back in the late 70s and early 80s. He was active in the Tennessee Quarter Horse Association for many years, serving as it’s President for three years, and in other offices and on committees. Recently he was inducted into the Tennessee Quarter Horse Hall of Fame, and he was presented with the President’s Award, the highest award an individual can receive.

His faith and love of God was very important to him his whole life. He attended Summerfield United Methodist Church with his family and joined Word of Truth Church in Cookeville, and then followed Pastor Chip in the move to Dayton, TN.

He was a member of the Tennessee National Guard from 1969 until 1975.

He is survived by his wife Vicki Knight Allen, two daughters, Leanne Allen, and Katie (Andy) York, and two grandsons, Walker Allen York and Anden Ellis York. He is survived by two brothers John and Jimmy (Joyce), and one sister, Mary Lee (Jr.) Brown and a host of nieces and nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.

He will be cremated, and a Celebration of Life will be held later.

Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.