Well-Known Retired Tennessee Pathologist Makes the Case for Mental, Social and Spiritual Wellness

When you make The Village at Germantown your home, you gain more than just gracious amenities, a continuum of care and a maintenance-free apartment or villa. You also gain a family. And members of our senior living family love to answer questions about their travels, careers and hobbies. But only one resident can give you a first-hand account of the autopsies of both Elvis Presley and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

That would be Dr. Jerry Francisco, a retired Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Reserves and former chair of the University of Tennessee’s Department of Pathology. He also served as Chief Medical Examiner for Shelby County, where he witnessed history … and helped shape it.

This Inspiring Senior Built His Decades-Long Career on “Just the Facts”

What comes to mind when you hear the words “medical examiner?” If you’re like most people, you think of action-packed TV shows like CSI or Quincy. But Dr. Francisco says his day-to-day life as Chief Medical Examiner wasn’t nearly that exciting.

“When you’re investigating a sudden or suspicious death—with or without an autopsy—you need to look at the facts,” Dr. Francisco explains. “Families are often in shock and disbelief and many have their own ideas about their loved one’s passing. But you can’t jump to conclusions. You have to methodically examine the evidence and see where it leads.”

In 1968, Dr. Francisco found himself thrust into the spotlight when he performed the autopsy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Nearly a decade later, he also supervised the autopsy of Elvis Presley. (Sorry, Elvis is not alive and enjoying retirement in our Germantown, TN senior living community.)

As you might guess, Dr. Francisco is well aware of the conspiracy theories surrounding the deaths of these two high-profile men. For instance, some folks believe that drugs, not a heart attack, were behind the demise of the beloved rock n’ roll star.

Dr. Francisco dismisses these theories as pure fantasy. “Everybody loves a conspiracy, but most are based on bad or invented information,” he says. “The best way to counter such falsehoods is to explain how their information is flawed and restate the facts of the case.”

“Whether or not people believe the facts is a whole other issue,” Dr. Francisco laughs.

Maintaining Spiritual and Mental Wellness After Retirement

Dr. Francisco’s journey to our vibrant 29-acre campus began about nine years ago, when his wife was experiencing medical concerns. The couple didn’t want the burden of care to fall on their three daughters, so they decided to move to a community with a continuum of on-campus health care.

What drew them to The Village at Germantown in Tennessee? Like he did during his medical examiner days, Dr. Francisco simply considered the facts. “We were impressed with the administration. It was strong, vibrant and forward thinking,” he explains. “Also, the expenses here are quite well thought out, so people of all incomes can live comfortably. It really felt like the place for us.”

After his wife passed away, Dr. Francisco gravitated toward the many enrichment opportunities for seniors available at our Life Plan Community. He’s a regular participant in our man-to-man devotional group, which has helped him cultivate a deeper sense of spiritual wellness with his fellow seniors.

Dr. Francisco is also among the first to sign up for our many guest lecturers covering diverse topics like music history, World War II and Tennessee politics. You might even find him standing behind the lectern from time to time. “I’ve delivered several talks about books and medical articles I’ve read.” he says, adding that he typically reads more than 100 books every year.

“Reading helps me maintain mental wellness,” Dr. Francisco explains. “Right now, I’m working my way through an oral history of the Normandy invasion. Maybe I’ll give a talk about that book when I’m through.”

Building Social Connections Through Dining and Day Trips

Our active senior living community in Tennessee is home to folks from a variety of backgrounds, professions and walks of life. And as Dr. Francisco discovered, they’re also some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. “I spend hours conversing with my neighbors,” Dr. Francisco says, “and because it’s such a diverse group of people, I’m exposed to ideas I’ve never come across before.”

Forging social connections among seniors is even more fun when food is involved, and Dr. Francisco spends lots of time exploring the menus at our Café Bistro, Monarch Dining Room and Polo Lounge & Grille. “In the nine years I’ve lived here, the food has never become stale or boring,” Dr. Francisco says. “I can say with confidence that it’s the finest in Shelby County.”

It’s also no surprise that a man with Dr. Francisco’s thirst for knowledge is drawn to many of the senior enrichment opportunities available in and around Germantown. “I typically go on three or four outings each month,” Dr. Francisco explains. “It’s easy when The Village takes care of all the planning and transportation.”

Some of Dr. Francisco’s favorite excursions include trips to artistic venues in Mississippi and a visit to Johnny Cash’s home in Arkansas. He also thrills at watching the bald eagles make their yearly fall migration to the woods of Tennessee.

“Venturing out on these day trips has been so educational and inspirational,” Dr. Francisco says. “It’s just one more reason why choosing this senior living community was the best decision I ever made.”

Come Meet the Rest of Our Senior Living Family. Schedule Your Visit Today!

Whether you’re a retired musician, homemaker, veteran, businessperson or teacher, you’ll fit right in at The Village at Germantown Retirement Community. And before you know it, your neighbors will grow to be more than just friends … they’ll become your family.

To schedule your tour, call us today at 901-737-4242.