Jalmer Clay Rittenberry

McKENZIE, Tenn. — Jalmer Clay Rittenberry, more commonly known as Jay, was 97 years old and lived in McKenzie. He died at his residence on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

Mr. Jay was born in Indian Mound, Tennessee, on July 18, 1927, to the late Henry Clay Rittenberry and Annie Patway Kirkland. He earned his GED and went on to serve as a sergeant in the United States Army Air Force from January 1951 to April 1973. The same year he retired, he moved from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, to McKenzie, Tennessee. In McKenzie, he became a farmer and also met his beloved wife. 

Mr. Jay was survived by his wife, Cherry Pratt Rittenberry of McKenzie. He also has five sons: Ty Johnson and wife Donna of Paris, Trent Johnson of McKenzie, Mike Johnson of McKenzie, Phillip Jordan of Wyoming, and Benji Jordan of Wyoming. Two daughters are Tan-Gee Deem and husband Dana of Mixie and Renee Brown and husband Mike of McKenzie. One brother is Maxie Rittenberry. Two sisters are Millie Rittenberry and Betty Woodard. He also has ten grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Annie Rittenberry

Services for Mr. Jay Rittenberry were Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 10 AM, at Brummitt- McKenzie Funeral Home.