John M. Gerren, Jr.

John M. Gerren, Jr., age 93, of Monticello, Florida, passed away on Friday, June 5, 2020 in Smiths, Alabama. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2020. Mr. Gerren was born in 1927 in Orlando, Florida, to his late parents, Nina Weaver Gerren and John M. Gerren, Sr. He graduated from the University of Miami with a master's degree in Civil Engineering. In 1957, he married Anne Bess "Becky" Dew at Park Temple United Methodist Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. John was a United States Army veteran who served as a medic and x-ray technician during WWII. He later enjoyed a long and accomplished career in civil engineering. He worked on the New River Tunnel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, one of the only public tunnels in the state, which opened in 1960. He served as the Director of Transportation and Planning of Broward County, Florida until 1983. John was also the Executive Director of the Sawgrass Expressway, a 21-mile section of Florida State Road 869 completed in 1986. Upon retirement, he and his family moved to Monticello, Florida. He was known for his generosity towards his family, friends, church, and community. John practiced servant leadership and was always willing to give his time and resources to help those around him, including strangers. He had a bold spirit and was not afraid to speak his mind. His stubbornness earned him the nickname "Tennessee Mule." He enjoyed gardening, home improvement projects, polka music, and collecting frog memorabilia. He valued hard work, commitment, fellowship with his church, and above all else, family. Mr. Gerren is preceded in death by Anne Dew "Becky" Gerren (wife), John M. Gerren, III (son), Karen Campion Gerren (daughter-in-law), John M. Gerren, Sr. (father), Nina Weaver Gerren (mother), and Geraldine Gerren Gunn (sister). He is survived by sister Judy Gerren Murray, daughter Mia Woodward of Pompano, Florida, daughter Jeane (Ricky) Schomburg of Smiths, Alabama, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.