Brewton native Yancey Jernigan’s family will make sure his legacy lives on through a foundation dedicated to Escambia County residents who are coping with cancer.
Jernigan died Wednesday after a fight with cancer. Family and friends remembered him at a memorial service Friday.
Ed Glaize, pastor at First United Methodist Church, said Jernigan was a faithful member of the church who always showed love.
“He was a man who loved Brewton and his family,” Glaize said. “He was particularly proud of his boys. He saw great things in each of them with their individual personalities and qualities. Each one of them shares a part of who Yancey is.”
Glaize said Jernigan’s sons were left with a great memory — due in part to Jernigan’s love of Auburn University.
“He was very much an Auburn man,” Glaize said. “One of the great memories he left with his sons was the trip to Phoenix for the National Championship game.”
Jernigan’s memory will carry on in the form of a foundation aimed at helping cancer patients and their families.
Jernigan is survived by his wife, Emmie, who fought the fight along side her husband. She has established the foundation to help keep his legacy alive and to help others.
After Jernigan’s passing, Emmie posted information about the foundation on a social network page.
“Although we are heartbroken over our loss we are confident that Yancey is now in peace,” Emmie said. “We appreciate all of your notes and thoughts. He was loved and his legacy will continue through each of his children. We are asking for donations to be given to The Yancey Jernigan Foundation or First United Methodist Church in lieu of flowers. The Yancey Jernigan Foundation will provide financial and emotional support to families fighting cancer in Escambia County, Alabama. It will strive to educate the public and provide resources to accelerate progress in the fight against cancer. His legacy of love and laughter will continue even though the battle rages on with others.”
Glaize said Jernigan was passionate about many things in life and shared that passion with those he loved.
“He was very passionate about his family and his boys,” Glaize said. “He was also passionate about music. He loved to sing and play the guitar. As a matter of fact, for his 40th birthday, he got a signed Bob Dylan guitar that hangs on a wall at his home.”
A memorial service honoring Jernigan’s life was held Friday at First United Methodist Church where he had claimed “the Jernigan pew” for himself and his family, Glaize said.
Jernigan was the son of the late Emily Wood and William Yancey Jernigan III.
He is survived by his wife, Emmie Pilcher Jernigan; three sons, Yancey Jernigan V, Lyon Alexander Jernigan and Joseph Blake Jernigan; and three sisters, Ruth Jernigan Parker of Brewton, Martha Jernigan Scott of Lanett, and Elizabeth Jernigan Rodgers of Auburn.
For additional details, see the obituary on page 3 of today’s edition.
Contributions to the Yancey Jernigan Foundation made be made at the following address: The Yancey Jernigan Foundation, c/o Emmie Jernigan, P.O. Box 37, Brewton, AL 36427.