Murfreesboro Post
MURFREESBORO WEATHER

Jernigan retires from County Commission




JerniganShacklett's_____Photography

JerniganShacklett’s_____Photography

Joe Frank Jernigan, a “sacrificial” public servant of 22 years on the Rutherford County Commission, has tendered his resignation due to health reasons.

Jernigan’s wife read his letter of resignation Monday to the commission’s Steering, Legislative & Governmental Committee as the commissioner, who had been sick for some time, sat in the audience. She said he is slowly improving from COVID-19, but it was with a “heavy heart” that he was resigning immediately for the sake of his health and his constituents.

Jernigan had represented District 6, the southeastern corner of the county.

The letter read by Jernigan’s wife, Patsy, mentioned his having watched the district grow over 22 years. Milestones included the construction of Whitworth-Buchanan Middle, Christiana Middle and Kittrell Elementary schools, as well as ambulance stations, Joe B. Jackson Parkway and John Bragg Highway. Another mark was the expansion of the Community Care of Rutherford County nursing home.

Jernigan served on the Purchasing; Property Management; Public Works & Planning; Health & Education; and Budget, Finance & Investment committees. He was chairman of Public Works.

“I have been proud to work with some very kind, talented and caring fellow commissioners,” his letter read.

Commissioner Michael Wrather said Jernigan’s name was always one that came to mind when thinking about Rutherford County government, and it was “surreal” to serve on the commission with the “sacrificial” public servant.

Mayor Bill Ketron told Jernigan that he has been a “true statesman” that represented his district but also served the entire county.

Jernigan’s term expires in August 2022. Steering Committee Chairman Craig Harris said he would have to speak to the county attorney about the process to fill the seat.

Harris said, “He served over 20 years and has seen this county grow and has helped lead us through this growth. I consider him one of the most influential people in this county in the last 20 years. He has left this county a lot better place than he found it.”

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