Thomas
E. Jernigan, longtime business community leader, died January 4, 2008.
His career represents a
remarkable American entrepreneurial success story. As Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Marathon Corporation, he established one of the most
successful privately owned companies in the state. A native of Atmore, later
moving to Frisco City in Monroe County, Alabama, he grew up as a farm boy and
attended local schools. After serving in the United States Air Force for 2 years
during World War II, he moved to Birmingham and later attended The University of
Alabama. He spent his adult life in Mountain Brook, raising his family and
establishing himself as one of the leading figures in the business community.
His business career began with the development of a line of children's
playground equipment. He created Plantation Patterns, a manufacturer of wrought
iron casual furniture. In 1969, he began United Chair Company, manufacturing
office furniture. In 1973, he developed the concept of neighborhood convenience
stores, founding and building several dozen Quick Marts.
He founded Winston
Furniture Company in Haleyville, Alabama in 1976 , which became a nationwide
leader in the production of aluminum outdoor casual furniture. Marathon
Equipment Company, another of his business creations, became one of the
country's leading manufacturers of commercial and industrial compaction
equipment, with facilities in Alabama, New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
Mr. Jernigan was renowned for his civic and philanthropic accomplishments. He
established endowments at Birmingham Southern College, Samford University, The
University of Alabama, and The University of Alabama at Birmingham, which
provided scholarships for college and nursing students who would otherwise have
been unable to attend school. He funded medical research at local hospitals and
was a generous supporter of United Way, The Boys & Girls Clubs, The Boy Scouts
of America, Children's Hospital, The Salvation Army, The Alabama Symphony and
many other charities.
He was a member of the
Country Club of Birmingham, Shoal Creek Country Club, Elk River Country Club in
North Carolina and Indian River Country Club in Miami. He enjoyed socializing
with friends and colleagues among numerous groups including The Gravy Train,
ROMEOs, Rollers, Rotary Club, and YPO.
He was an original director of what became Compass Bankshares and served on the
Board of Trustees of Birmingham Southern College. He was also one of the
original investors of The Bank (now Superior Bank).
Mr. Jernigan is survived by his wife of 23 years, Donna Conyers Jernigan and
four children, Thomas E. Jernigan, Jr. (Elizabeth), Lisa Jernigan Bruhn (Tommy),
Mary Conyers Jernigan and Jonathan Winston Jernigan; five grandchildren,
Camille, Ella and Thomas Jernigan III, and Franklin and Drew Brown; a brother,
Carl Jernigan; and a sister, Loretta J. Goodwin.
He will be deeply missed by long-time friend and business associate, Mrs. Audrey
Wadleigh.
The Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, January 7, 2008, in the
sanctuary at Mountain Brook Baptist Church and the family will receive friends
in the church's Hudson Hall immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a favorite charity.
Services are under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel (205.879.3401) in
Homewood.
