Jerry Levengood, the director of schools for Rhea County, has passed away at the age of 67.

The school system released the following statement:

“It is with great sorrow we share our leader and friend, Jerry Levengood, Director of Schools, passed away this morning. He passionately served Rhea County Schools and the community for more than 40 years in many roles: teacher, coach, principal, director, friend, mentor, and pastor, along with many other ways. The school system and the community has suffered a great loss and our hearts are heavy. He was a man of faith and we are assured by this that he is at peace with our Lord. Please remember his family during this difficult time.”

The Rhea County School Board joined Levengood and his family recently at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new central office building named in honor of his service. The Levengood Educational Center is located on Broadway Street in Dayton.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 1 p.m. eastern in the auditorium of Rhea County High School. Private graveside services with a white dove release will follow at Rhea Memory Gardens where he will be laid to rest next to his parents and infant daughter. Pall bearers will be Preston Hale, Bill Travis, John Mincy, Chip Pendergrass, Dr. Chris Horton, Mark Pemberton, Bryant Collins and Jesse Messimer. Honorary pall bearers will be the deacons of Walden’s Ridge Baptist Church and the Rhea County school board members.

Social distancing is strongly encouraged, and face masks will be required.

Funeral service live streamed at:

https://youtu.be/5tWdrDaEplU

The family is being served by the Vanderwall Funeral Home in Dayton where they will receive friends Monday, March 8, 2021 from 5 until 8 p.m. eastern.

Memorial contributions may be given to Walden’s Ridge Baptist Church building fund at 201 Virginia Avenue, Dayton, TN 37321, Cumberland Springs Bible Camp at Cumberland Springs Road, Dayton, TN 37321 or the Rhea County Football Program at 885 Eagle Lane, Evensville, TN 37332.