Hugh Thomas “H.T.” Jerrell, age 87, of Kevil, Kentucky, passed away at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at his residence.
Hugh was born on October 4, 1932 in McCracken County to the late Arthur Thomas and Sarah Marshall Jerrell. H.T. as known by many, spent most of his adult life owning, training and racing Standardbred race horses. He started training and racing in the early 1950’s and had several outstanding trotters and pacers during the 1960’s and 70’s. Most of his racing… years were spent in Kentucky at Louisville Downs, Audubon Raceway and the Red Mile race tracks and Fairmount Park and Cahokia Downs in Illinois.
Hugh was a skilled, self-taught carpenter and enjoyed wood working, remodeling homes and built his and Betty’s home and along with both his brother’s and children’s homes. In retirement years, he and Betty enjoyed outdoor life by boating, fishing and time spent at Kentucky Lake.
Hugh raised his children and grandchildren by teaching them more by the life he lived than by the words he spoke. He was a member of New Liberty United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty L. Shelby Jerrell of Kevil; one daughter, Joni Jordan of Kevil; one son, Randal Lee Jerrell, wife Paula of Kevil; one brother, Donald Lee Jerrell, wife Hazel of Kevil; two grandchildren, Jeremy Mark Jordan, wife Ashlee of Kevil and Clayton Wayne Jerrell, fiancé Carli of Newburgh, Indiana; three great-grandchildren, Nash Thomas Jordan, Savannah Henderson and Emma Henderson.
He was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, Mark Edward Jordan.
A graveside service for Hugh will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Monday, November 4, 2019 at Woodville Cemetery with Rev. Brian K Nance officiating.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. on Monday, November 4, 2019 at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to: New Liberty United Methodist Church, C/O Joni Jordan, Treasurer, 3545 Hobbs Rd., Kevil, KY 42053.
You may light a candle or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.