Freed-Hardeman University dedicated the Heritage Walk in front of Hope Barber Shull Academic Resource Center to the memory of former trustee Kerry Couch and in honor of his wife Lisa Puckett Couch Friday, Oct 15, 2021.
Kerry Couch graduated from FHU in 1977, and Lisa did in 1979. They were married that same year. The couple made their home in Columbia, Tennessee and reared their two children, Elizabeth and Keith, there. Kerry lost his battle with cancer Sept. 10, 2020.
Kerry was an elder of the West 7th Church of Christ for 13 years and was known as “the candy man” by most of the children and some of the adults. He saw that role as helping to make going to church a positive thing for the youngest of the congregation. Kerry and Lisa taught children’s classes for 40 years. She coordinated the congregation’s VBS for 20 years and the couple made many stateside mission trips, as well as to Central and South America.
Founder and owner of Nashville Computer, Kerry had been a member of the FHU Board of Trustees for 17 years. “Kerry's unsurpassed love and devotion to FHU have greatly impacted the board and university,” FHU President David R. Shannon said. “In my last visit with him, he shared with me the reason he supported FHU was that he saw it as Kingdom work and implied we should not forget this.”
The day included a chapel presentation by Doug Couch, Kerry’s brother. Leading worship in chapel were Kerry’s roommate Ron Harper, Phi Kappa Alpha friend Mike Turberville and son-in-law Tyler Sells.
At the dedication, Ted Williams, board chairman, and Lisa Couch paid tribute. John Law, board member and fellow elder at West 7th, led the closing prayer, and Shannon made remarks.
“Picture this,” Shannon said. “Board members, family members and PKA members were all together at Freed-Hardeman. Kerry would have loved the fact these three groups were together at the place he loved so dearly. It is a good day to bestow honor to where honor is due. Glory be to God for such wonderful relationships. And yes, may we at Freed-Hardeman remain mission true and faithful.”
