Jerry was born on July 16, 1945, in San Francisco, California, to Chester M. McWilliams and Leona McWilliams. He was raised in Merkel, Texas, and was a member of the 1963 graduating class of Merkel High School. Following graduation, Jerry enlisted in the United States Air Force Reserves until his honorable discharge in 1974.
After a stint with the Port Neches Police Department and FBI field office in Dallas, Jerry began a career in the oil field as a mud engineer, a job that took him around the world, including Singapore, where his son Jeremy was born. He moved to Conroe in 1974 where he resided until his passing. He enjoyed hunting with his sons, attending his grandchildren’s dance and violin recitals, basketball, volleyball, and soccer games, and watching the Houston Astros and Baylor football and basketball games.
He is survived by his son, Jeremy McWilliams and his wife, Shona, and their children Daniel, Ryan, and Madison McWilliams; son, Matthew McWilliams and his wife, Heather, and their daughters London, Kinley, Holland, and Merritt McWilliams; sister, Barbara Joy Petty; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Chester M. McWilliams and Leona McWilliams, and brother Nealon Ray McWilliams.
In remembrance of Jerry’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to his favorite charity, Wounded Warrior Project, at support.woundedwarriorproject.org.
A memorial service honoring the life of Jerry McWilliams will be held on May 12, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Metcalf Funeral Directors in Conroe, Texas.
