Obituary of Jerry Chamlee

Jerry Lee Chamlee was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on September 26, 1944. He was the only child born from the union of the late Loyd and Hazel (Fountain) Chamlee. Jerry was raised in Sand Mountain, Alabama until the age of eight moving to Wayne County and graduating from Lincoln Park High. He met his wife, the former Helen Wilson, and married her on August 31, 1964 at Dearborn Baptist Temple. Jerry and Helen raised their children in the downriver area before moving to Monroe County in 2004. Jerry was employed by General Motors Company for many years. He performed repair work in their Wind and Water Testing Department. His passion for motor vehicles carried into his personal life. He loved hot rods and working on them. Jerry rode all kinds of motorcycles, from sport bikes to Harleys, enjoying them all equally. Jerry loved spending time with his two sons. The boys brought out the daredevil in him as he would try anything they would do. They enjoyed horseback riding, target shooting, snowmobiling, and boating. Jerry was a quiet, loving, and thoughtful person. He enjoyed helping others. Those who knew him best appreciated his dry sense of humor and his uncanny ability to play a joke. He appreciated woodworking, yard work, and gardening. Jerry "Gopher" Lee Chamlee, age 68 of Monroe, passed away on Wednesday, August 14, 2013 while Helen held his hand. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by mother in law: Helen Wilson and son: Gary "Lumpy" Chamlee. To cherish his memory, Jerry leaves his loving wife of nearly forty-nine years: Helen Chamlee; a son: Jerry "Shaggy" (Lori) Chamlee of Carleton; a daughter: Kimberley Hatto of Brooklyn; a daughter in law: Crystal Voyales; a cousin he grew up with: Billy Ray Chamlee (Mary Nell) of Fort Payne, Al; three grandchildren: Toni Hernandez, Stephanie Hatto, and Krista Hatto; and four great grandchildren: Ava Lynn, Royce Landon, Hanna Alaya-Lynn, and Levi Michael-John. Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Monday, August 19, 2013 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734)384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 11:00am on Tuesday, August 20, 2013 also at Merkle's with a member of the clergy officiating. Procession will follow to Michigan Memorial Park for entombment. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or send a floral arrangement by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.