Jerald Daughrity

Jerald Wayne Daughrity, 84, of Portales, New Mexico, passed away on August 23, 2025. Born in Thackerville, Oklahoma, on October 18, 1940, Jerald grew up in Barstow, California, where his family moved in 1942. He was the son of Chink Robert Daughrity and Gracie Geraldine Foster, and a beloved brother to Royce (Kathleen), Robert (Karen), and Brenda (Mark Walker).

Jerald met the love of his life, May Dell Ross, in 1967. They married at the home of her parents (Thelma and Grover Ross) and spent 58 years together. They are the proud parents of two sons, Varen Ross (Mary Arth) and Dyron Boyce (Sunde Gibson), and cherished grandparents to Kelsi, Clare, Ross, Mande Mae, and Holly Joy. Jerald is also survived by eight nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

A lifelong educator, Jerald's career spanned over 40 years. He graduated from Barstow High School in 1958 and went on to attend Taft Jr. College, followed by Pepperdine University, Cal State Bakersfield, and California State University at Fullerton, earning his master's degree in 1970. Jerald's teaching career began in Barstow before taking on roles as a principal and administrator in CA and NM. He served as a teacher, vice principal, and principal in various school districts, including the Barstow School District, Centralia School District in Buena Park, and Live Oak.

In 1978, Jerald and May Dell moved to Portales to open the Taco Grande Restaurant (now Taco Box) and ran it for 8 years. After selling the restaurant, Jerald returned to education in Portales, where he taught and was principal at James Elementary, including the James Elementary Professional Development School (PDS) in partnership with ENMU. In the year 2000, Jerald and May Dell returned to Southern California to teach two more years. He retired in 2002 in Portales after 40 years in education.

A man of deep faith, Jerald was active in the Southside Church of Christ, where he was very active. He also served as a coach in Little League and the church softball league. Jerald had a passion for the outdoors, especially water skiing, boating, and working on projects around the house and yard. He loved to watch football on TV, and famously changed his favorite team year after year, depending on who was winning! He was known for his love of dogs, and his favorite breed was the English Lab.

Throughout his life, Jerald was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend. He lived by his values of service, humility, and generosity. Jerald will be remembered for his kind spirit, warm smile, and unwavering dedication to his family, community, and faith.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, Fri., Sept. 26, 2025 at Southside Church of Christ in Portales. The family will invite friends to share their memories and celebrate Jerald's life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the New Mexico Christian Children's Home in Portales.