In 1944 he met the love his life, Ophelia May Hart, and married soon after. They celebrated 67 years of marriage until her passing on March 17, 2012. Their unwavering Christian faith, loyalty and love for one another was and still remains role model for all. They had five children, Lacy Wayne, Clifton Ray, Linda Kay, Diana Fay and Marla Sue. Taking care of his family was of utmost importance and a role that was taken seriously every day of his life.
During World War II, Jerry joined the U.S. Merchant Marines to fulfil his draft obligation. Once the war ended and he was honorably discharged, he was hired by J.M. Huber in Borger, Texas. J.M. Huber relocated Jerry and his family to Baytown, Texas. He was a loyal employee for more than 35 years and retired in 1984. Upon his retirement he focused on his many hobbies such as golfing, hunting, playing softball, splitting wood, fishing with his grands and great grands, dominoes and various card games. He was also an avid sports fan and you could often times find him watching an Astros game on TV while listening to the Rockets on the radio simultaneously.
Jerry was a dedicated Christian and faithful member of Pruett and Lobit Church of Christ for more than 70 years. He was also an amazing father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather, brother, uncle, mentor and special friend who always displayed his Christian faith, loving care and special stories until his last moment. As he was a role model to the young and young at heart, it affectionately earned him the title of Uncle Jerry as many considered him a part of their family.
Jerry was preceded in death by his wife; his parents, children: Lacy Wayne Witt, Clifton Ray Witt & Marla Sue Burt, grandchild: Susan Reigh Burt, sisters: Marion Smith & Joyce Wharton.
Survivors include his daughters Linda Cheshier & husband Don of McKinney, Diana Novosad & husband Michael of Crosby; grandchildren Donelle Chandler & husband Greg of Carrolton, Jennifer Glover & husband Rusty of Frisco, Patricia Franta & husband Bryan of Crosby and Andrea Danielson & husband Michael of Garland; great-grandchildren Brandon Franta & wife Megan, Alicia Franta, Garrett Chandler, Makenzi Glover, Caleb Danielson, Jara Chandler, Delaney Glover & Lana Danielson; great-great grandchildren Rebecca Franta and Briggs Franta; sister Billie Marie Banks; brother Paul Witt and wife Shirley and numerous nieces, nephews and a host of loving friends and church family.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Navarre Funeral Home in Baytown. A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Navarre Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens in Baytown. Pallbearers will be his great-grandsons and his grandsons-in-law.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.navarrefuneralhome.com for the Witt family.
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