Jerell Killian

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Jerell Floyd Killian, age 82, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday July 27, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Baltimore, Maryland on September 17, 1943, Jerell was raised in Knoxville, Tennessee by parents Glenn and Etta Watson Killian.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Gary Killian, and nephew Stephen Killian of Marietta, Georgia; sisters-in-law, Judy Fox Jones of Cookeville, TN, Sue Fox Pippin of Bloomington Springs and Ruby Fox Anderson of Gainesboro, TN; brothers-in-law, Lewis Edward Wheeler of Cookeville and Charles Leonard Pippin of Bloomington Springs, TN.

Survivers include his wife who has been by his side since 1986, Rosie Fox Killian; two daughters, Kendall (Mike) Killian Keller and Heather (Roy) Killian Jones; grandson Matthew Keller all of Knoxville, TN; bonus sons, Joseph Shane Hawkins, Sam Hawkins; and grandchildren, Ryan Jack Smith of Cookeville, TN and Lilly Norris of Baxter, TN; sister-in-law, Julie Killian; nephews Michael (April) Killian, Bobby Killian and niece Katie (Jake) Killian Maresca and their daughter, Ella; brothers-in-law, Raymond (Bonnie) Fox of Cookeville; sisters-in-law, Roslyn (Adriel) Stout and Audrey (Kenneth) Anderson, and brothers-in-law Roger Anderson of Gainesboro, and Ray Jones of Cookeville; former wives, Esther White Rohr, the mother of his two daughters, and Rhonda Cardoso-Smith, and her daughters, Jennifer and Jacquelyn of Ruston, Louisiana and Tampa, Florida; as well as many cherished cousins, extended family and friends.

Jerell honored his parents, who were devout in their Christian faith, and was baptized as a young man and at one time considered ministry as his life's work before pursuing his desire to work within the mental health field. He graduated from East High School in Knoxville, He received his bachelor's degree from Carson Newman College and his master's degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. He enjoyed a long career in mental health, providing counseling and holding supervisory roles at Plateau Mental Health Center in Cookeville for over fifty years while providing psychological examinations for Social Security Disability Determination Section and often teaching off campus classes for Tennessee Technological University. Jerell was especially proud of his involvement with the Tennessee Public Safety Network, and his role as a mental health professional volunteer team member, helping with critical incident stress debriefings for officers and other first responders following traumatic events. He also held membership in the Tennessee Psychological Association and was a lifetime member of the National Speleological Association following his love of caving and serving as President of the Upper Cumberland Grotto and enjoying fellowship of other cavers, including with his wife, Rosie. Other favorite past times included camping, hiking, boating, water and snow skiing, racquetball, and UT football. He enjoyed working crossword puzzles daily, in-depth conversations with others, and a good cigar.

Jerell was loved by so many and will be deeply missed by all family and friends.

A Celebration of Life is being planned by the family and will be held at a later date.

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