Jerry Earl Bailey, 66 of Paris, Texas, passed away, Monday, January 21st, 2019.
Friends are invited to visit with family Wednesday, January 23rd, 2019 from 6 PM to 7 PM at Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, January 24th, 2019 at Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home, Reverend Rob Spencer will officiate with Bill Coleman assisting. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.
Jerry was born September 18th, 1952 in Temple, Texas to Woodrow “Woody” and Wilma (Jezek) Bailey. At age 13, Jerry began building homes with his Uncle J.L. Bailey during the summers. This created his passion for building and making things throughout his life.
In high school, Jerry played tight-end for Paris High School football team. He was also very active in FFA & Key Club and was on the State Championship 4-H Dairy Judging Team that represented the State of Texas in the National 4-H contest in Columbus, Ohio. In 1971, Jerry showed the Grand Champion Steer at the 1st Lamar County Junior Livestock Show held in Paris. He later graduated from Paris High School in 1971 and Texas A&M University in College Station in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science degree.
In 1975, Jerry accepted the position of Assistant County Extension Agent for Van Zandt County and in 1979 he accepted the position of Vice President Loan Officer for PCA (later known as AgriLand Farm Credit Services) in Paris and Sulphur Springs. After building many friendships within the business over 32 years, Jerry retired in 2011.
Jerry married in 1975 and had one daughter named April in 1980. He was a loving and supportive father who attended every ball game through her high school years.
July 17th, 2010 Jerry married Cheryl (Johnson) in Paris, Texas. They moved out to the farm and have made many memories together building their home, riding mules, fishing in the pond and frying fish with their children, grandchildren and friends.
Over the years Jerry has been a member of the Paris Jaycee’s, Young Farmers of America and Lamar County Texas A&M Club. He was an avid outdoorsman, loved riding his mule Andy through the mountains of Colorado and New Mexico, camping throughout the country with Cheryl, crappie fishing and country dancing.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Cheryl; daughter, April and her husband Dan Desabrais of Southlake, Texas; step-son Ryan and his wife Cheslie Brook of Paris, Texas; step-daughter Whitney and her husband Jamie Allen of Paris, Texas; seven grand-children, Isabella, Colby, Addison and Bailey Desabrais; Campbell and Emery Brook and Kyler Allen; sister, Beverly and her husband Joe Proffer of Paris, Texas; nephew, Brian and his wife Marleena Proffer, daughter Landree, son Gage; niece, Anna Proffer and a plethora of good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Honorary Pallbearer will be Ron Martin. Pallbearers will be Stephen Towler, Gary Ensey, Rick Vance, Dwight Bell, Thump Witcher, Monty Cannada, Jerome Chapman
Online condolences may be sent to the Bailey family at www.fry-gibbs.com
