John K. Gerlach, Jr.

John K. Gerlach, Jr., known as Bud or Buddy, peacefully entered the pearly gates on Oct. 25, 2022. He grew up in Tunica Miss., love the Tunica cut-off, was a veteran of the Korean War and attended Mississippi State University (KA). He was a genuine southern gentleman! He was a fierce, diehard BULLDOG fan and loved the Kentucky Derby. He always had a good story to share or a great joke to tell. His life's work was in sales. He sold cars, mobile homes, boats, among a lot of other things, in areas like Memphis, Tenn., Mississippi, Arkansas and Oklahoma. He was loved by many! He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.

He was born Aug. 27, 1934, in West Helena to John Klaus Gerlach, Sr. and Jennie (Winifred Jane) Adams Gerlach.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sondra Lunsford Gerlach; daughter, Katrina Byrum; parents, John and Jennie Gerlach; sisters, Frances Gerlach Phifer and Bettye Jean Chambliss; niece, Frances Dodson; and nephew, Raymond Phifer.

He is survived by his daughter, Denice Byrum (Thor) Capehart, of Blytheville; grandchildren, Cade Darby, of Manila, Amber Capehart of Blytheville, and Pinnell Capehart of New Jersey; great-grandchildren, Macy Darby, Jack Darby, Cody Darby and Cate Darby, all of Manila, and Riley Grace Capehart of New Jersey; nieces, Hollie Grisham (Brian) Williams of Memphis, Tenn., Sherrie Phifer (Brian) Smith of Clermont, Fla., Bettye Lane Chambliss of Sunrise Beach, Texas; great-nieces, Kaylee Williams of Memphis, Tenn., Mickey Kosarek, of Houston, Texas, and Rena (Robert) Dodson of Sparta, Tenn.; great-nephews, Freddie Dodson of Spencer, Tenn., Dustin J. Smith and Carl Dylan Smith, both of Clermont, Fla.; brother-in-law, Lane Chambliss of Sunrise Beach, Texas; his friends at Doc's, as well as a host of other family and special friends.

Bud has donated his body to the University of Tennessee for research and study. He asks that any donations be made to the Mississippi State University Athletic Department.

A memorial service will be announced later.