The 2011 grand marshal for Tater Town Special is Mr. Jerry Connell. Jerry was born on a snowy night in January 1939, just outside of Gleason in the Mount Zion Community. He is the son of the late Hubert and Bertha Connell and brother of the late Martha Jean Hagler.

Jerry and his family moved to Gleason in 1951, where he attended Gleason High School and was a member of the graduating class of 1957.

Jerry married Dorothy Glenn in 1958 and they spent 53 wonderful years together. The Connells have four beautiful daughters – Patrice, Denise, Cris and Camille. They also have eight grandchildren. Jerry is a member of First United Methodist Church in Gleason.

Connell’s working career includes 20 years at H.I.S. Manufacturing. He also owned and operated Jerry’s Amoco and Connell Auto Sales and Car Detail Shop. He currently drives a school bus for the Weakley County School System, reaching the lives of parents, teachers and over 1,000 children throughout the community. Additionally, he has served as a Gleason alderman since 1990.

“Jerry’s true passion is the Gleason Fire Department,” said Gleason Gazelle Christi Clark  said. “He serves as fire chief alongside 24 of the greatest firefighters in Gleason’s history. The department has grown with his leadership, true dedication, and the hard work of everyone involved. There is always work to do and Jerry is willing to help whenever the need arises.”