Jerry passed away on March 29, 2025. He was a lifelong follower of Jesus Christ who dedicated his life to the expansion of God’s Kingdom.
Born on July 29, 1932, Jerry spent his early years in Perryton. During his senior year at Perryton High School, he met the love of his life, Johnnie Helen Johnson. They were married in 1950 and enjoyed more than 65 wonderful years together.
Jerry earned his undergraduate degree from Baylor University in 1952, and later received his doctorate from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, in 1964.
In 1959, Jerry and Johnnie answered the call to serve in Brazil. He devoted 38 years as a Southern Baptist missionary — planting and reviving churches — and as a Professor at the Baptist Seminary in Rio de Janeiro.
Upon returning to Fort Worth, Jerry continued his calling as an Adjunct Professor at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1997, serving for another eight years. He lived out the rest of his life in Fort Worth.
He had four children, four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
There will be a Memorial Service held on July 12, 2025 at 10 a.m. at Birchman Baptist Church in Fort Worth.