Tennessee AFL-CIO Mourns the Passing of Former President Jerry Lee

The Tennessee AFL-CIO Mourns the Passing of Former President, Jerry Lee

The Tennessee AFL-CIO is mourning the passing of our former President and fierce labor leader, Jerry Lee. A lifelong union member, Jerry dedicated his life to advancing the labor movement and fighting for working people across Tennessee.

Jerry joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 429 in Nashville in 1958. After completing a five-year apprenticeship program and becoming a journeyman electrician, he spent more than six decades serving the labor movement. Throughout his career, Jerry held numerous leadership roles, including Business Manager and Financial Secretary of IBEW Local 429, President of the Nashville Building and Construction Trades Council, and ultimately President of the Tennessee AFL-CIO from 2003 to 2011. In every position, he remained committed to building solidarity, advocating for workers and advancing the values at the heart of the labor movement.

“Jerry saw the need for labor to get more involved in the political system at the Capitol; a place where we never really had that presence before. He knew that for labor to have a seat at the table, we first had to be in the room. Jerry was ahead of his time. He paved the path we walk today, and we will continue his work and legacy.”

-Billy Dycus, President, Tennessee AFL-CIO

“I had the pleasure of working with Jerry for many years. He had a unique way of bringing people together and never wavered in his commitment to fighting for working people across our state. If you knew Jerry, you knew his heart and his passion for the labor movement. I’m saddened by the loss of our friend, but I’m proud to know his legacy will live on.”

-AJ Starling, Secretary-Treasurer, Tennessee AFL-CIO

Jerry's leadership left an indelible mark on Tennessee's labor movement. He mentored future leaders, strengthened the collective voice of union members across our state and inspired countless others to continue the fight for dignity, fairness and justice in the workplace.

We extend our deepest condolences to Jerry's family, friends, union brothers and sisters, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.

Rest in Power, President Jerry.