Coach Jerry Allen Stephens, age 78, of Oneida, Tennessee, formerly of Revelo, Kentucky, passed away Monday, January 19, 2026, in Oneida.

A celebration of life was held at 4:00 pm with Bros. Eddie King and Braxton King officiating.

He was born July 13, 1947, in Stearns, Kentucky, to the late Orville Stephens and Ruth Jones Stephens. Jerry proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for four years as a military policeman, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSGT). During his service, he also played basketball for the Air Force Base team in Blytheville, Arkansas.

Jerry graduated from McCreary County High School in 1965 and later earned his master's degree in education from the University of the Cumberlands. He was a member of First Hickory Grove Baptist Church.

A lifelong coach and mentor, Jerry devoted much of his life to basketball and education. He played collegiate basketball for the University of the Cumberlands during the 1972–1973 season. His coaching career began at Monticello Independent Schools, where he led the girls basketball team to the state tournament in 1976 and 1977, compiling an impressive record of 86 wins and 40 losses over six seasons. He later coached at McCreary Central High School from 1979 until 1996, earning more than 211 career wins and guiding the 1983 team to the state tournament. Coach Stephens left a lasting impact on countless students and athletes through his leadership, discipline, and encouragement.

Beyond coaching, Jerry was an avid golfer, spending many of his days playing with his closest friends. He was a devoted fan of University of Kentucky basketball and treasured time spent with his family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by Merrie Lee Stephens, the mother of his children.

Survivors include his daughters, Amy West (Chesty), Lisa Stephens, and Lori Burress (Richard) to whom he was an amazing and supportive father; grandchildren, Jacob Stephens, Kayla Rogers (Chris), Amanda Currence (Michael), Erin Stephens West, Benjamin Duncan (Candace), Hannah Kelley, Ethan Burress, Cheston West, and Dante' West; seventeen great-grandchildren; his brother, Tim Stephens (Sherry); special niece and nephew Emily Ross and Jeremy Stephens; and several cherished golf friends.

Coach Jerry Stephens will be remembered for his dedication to family, faith, service, and the game he loved, as well as for the many lives he influenced along the way. The legacy he created with both his family and his career will forever be remembered.

Hickman Strunk Funeral home was honored to serve the family of Coach Jerry Allen Stephens.