Jerry 'Pa' Stephenson

Jerry William Stephenson, 87, of Wolfforth, Texas, passed away on November 23, 2023. He was born on June 14, 1936 in Fitzhugh, Arkansas. Jerry was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Jerry was an intelligent and fun-loving man. He was quick with an encouraging word and known for his kindness and positivity. Most of all, he loved his family.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Shirley Stephenson, and his four devoted daughters: Gay Stephenson, Gail Lawson and husband Bobby Lawson, Glinda Hagood and husband Walt Hagood, and Gerrie Moreland and husband Gregg Moreland. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Nathan Stephenson and Minnie Bell Long and siblings: Linda Cogburn, Fred Cogburn, James Cogburn, and Patsy Cogburn.

Jerry proudly served in the United States Navy from 1954 to 1958. He was stationed in San Diego, California on the U.S.S. Eldorado where he received the Good Conduct Medal and the China Service Medal. In 2016, Jerry was blessed to fly on an Honor Flight to Washington, DC accompanied by Maurice Stanley.

During his career, Jerry worked as a superintendent on numerous construction sites, including the Texas Tech Medical School, Furr's Planning and Engineering Projects, and many projects for Hap Padgett. During construction of the Medical School, he memorably held a bucket under a drip over the operating room while the very first renal transplant in Lubbock took place. Although he never lost his love for construction, his favorite job was owning and operating Jerry's Barber Style on University Street in Lubbock, Texas where he and Shirley worked side by side for over 30 years and made countless friends and cherished them all.

Jerry worshiped at the First Baptist Church in Lubbock. He found solace and strength in his faith.

Jerry loved animals and had a variety of pets, including Shelties, cats, goats, horses, pigs, rabbits, cows, chickens, ducks and a donkey. He also enjoyed gardening and tinkering on his tractors.

Jerry was an avid sports fan. He coached his own daughters in basketball and softball and later enjoyed watching his grandchildren compete in weightlifting, football, softball, volleyball and basketball. His favorite teams were The Texas Tech Red Raiders, The Ropesville Eagles, The Ballinger Bearcats and The Lamesa Golden Tornados.

Jerry loved music and played by ear. He could play the fiddle, guitar, banjo, mandolin, harmonica and the piano.

Jerry gave happily to many causes, with a special place in his heart for disadvantaged children and education, which was a high priority. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Honor Flight Network, West Texas Hero Homes, Highpoint Village or Fibermax Center for Discovery.

Jerry William Stephenson will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew and loved him. He will live for eternity with his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 26, 2023, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, at Combest Family Funeral Homes in Lubbock, Texas. Mr. Stephenson will be laid to rest on Monday, November 27, 2023, at 11:00 AM, at the Ropesville Cemetery in Ropesville, Texas.

Posted online on November 24, 2023

Published in Lubbock Avalanche-Journal