Melvin Gerald (Jerry) Rider was born on May 6, 1932 in Dayton, KY. After graduating high school, he served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. He met Ruth Jean Peace a few years later, and they married on July 19, 1957. They went on to have two daughters, Linda and Patricia. Jerry and Ruth were very serious about their breakfasts at Cracker Barrel and would arrive before the restaurant opened so they could be sure to be seated at “their” table.