Jerry Collins Harlan, 81, of Nashville, passed away on Monday, January 3, 2022. Jerry was born in Columbia, TN. He graduated from Madison High School in 1958 and maintained close friendships with his many high school buddies over the years. He graduated from Tennessee Tech with a degree in mechanical engineering. He began his career at Ross Gear in Lebanon, TN and when he was bored, started building houses on the side. He couldn’t tolerate an “office” job and left engineering to pursue becoming a contractor, developer and entrepreneur of many businesses such as Captain D’s, Scholtzskys Delis, and Fazolis franchises, built and owned Madison and Rivergate Lodges, Harlan Development Co. and acquired many commercial and residential rental properties. Jerry refused to grow old and had lots of energy! He never met a stranger and made friends everywhere he went. He was nicknamed the “Joker” because he loved pranks and good laughs. He loved adventure, risk, spontaneity and travel with his family especially to Panama City Beach and Sandestin Beach Resort in Florida. He loved going out and good food especially Kobe Steakhouse which became a family tradition for most “Harlan” special occasions for 40 years. He is preceded in death by his parents Paul and Gladys Harlan, his sons Chandler and Channing Harlan and his sister Phyllis Goostree. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Wanda Harlan, 3 children Cherie (Scott) Rudolph, Chance Harlan, Chandra (David) Pounders, 12 grandchildren, sisters Vickie Harlan, Kay (Joe) Roller, Jeannie Warren, and his beloved dog, Sparky. The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, January 12 from 11:30 am until 2:30pm at Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Pike in Nashville. There will be a graveside service immediately following at 2:45pm also at the cemetery.