Former Opry Exec Jerry Strobel Passes

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Jerry Strobel

The publicist for the Grand Ole Opry for three decades, Jerry Strobel has died at age 84. Born Martin Jerome Strobel, the Nashville native died with his family by his side on Feb. 24.

Strobel was born and raised in Germantown. He grew up a few doors down from Assumption Catholic Church, and was the longtime choir director there. He was a classically trained tenor vocalist.

In 1970, he became the promotions manager for WSM radio and its Grand Ole Opry. He worked with local and national media and shepherded visits by national celebrities who came to perform on the Opry. His duties gradually expanded, and he was later named Opry House Manager.

At the time, Nashville had few venues for concerts by nationally touring artists. So Strobel became the liaison for the dozens of acts who booked shows at the Opry House, everyone from Linda Ronstadt, Patti Labelle, Bruce Springsteen and Elvis Costello to Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Bob Hope and Robin Williams. He retired from the Opry job in 2000.

Jerry Strobel was one of the founders of Fan Fair, now known as the CMA Music Festival. He was also the creator of Oktoberfest. Founded in 1980, it benefits Assumption Catholic Church plus the neighboring and equally historic Monroe Street United Methodist Church.

Strobel sang at Catholic parishes throughout Middle Tennessee, often at funerals, weddings and other church-held events. His brother was Father Charles Strobel (1943-2023), the priest who founded Room in the Inn and was a tireless champion for the homeless.

Jerry Strobel is survived by six children, 17 grandchildren and a sister. Visitation will be Thursday (March 6) from 4-6:30 p.m. at Assumption Catholic Church, 1226 7th Ave. N. His funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday (March 7) at Christ the King Catholic Church, 3001 Belmont Blvd. He will then be interred at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Room in the Inn, Assumption Catholic Church or The Pat Holzapfel Strobel Legacy Grant at Christ the King School. Arrangements are being handled by Marshall-Donnelly-Combs Funeral Home c/o Dignity Memorial.

Robert K Oermann
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