Jerry Hendrix

Jerry Hendrix
January 3, 1941 – September 5, 2025

It is with both heavy hearts and grateful spirits that we remember the remarkable life of Jerry Hendrix, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, pastor, and friend. Born January 3, 1941, in Smithville, Texas, to Jessie Hendrix and Dora Lee Hyatt-Hendrix, Jerry's story is one of faith, resilience, love, and a life lived fully as a proud Texan. He passed away peacefully on September 5, 2025, in Weatherford, Texas, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be cherished by all who knew him.
A Lifetime of Love
At the tender age of 17, Jerry met the love of his life, Lula Bell Smith, who was just 13 at the time. From that first spark, they began a journey together that would last more than six decades. Their love blossomed into a courtship that endured youth, hardships, and time, culminating in a marriage that spanned 63 years. For 66 years, Lula was his constant companion, his partner in faith, his confidante, and the great treasure of his heart. Their devotion to each other was an inspiration to all who witnessed it-a testimony that true love not only lasts but deepens with every passing season.

Family Above All
Jerry was an extraordinary father to three children-Kathy, Kevin, and Paula-raising them with wisdom, humor, and unwavering care. He was a man who always put family first, guiding them with a steady hand and a compassionate heart. As "Papa," Jerry was adored by his grandchildren: Jeremy, Amber, Jarrod, Johnathon, Christal, and Misti. He poured his heart into their lives, teaching, joking, storytelling, and always showing up with love. His great-grandchildren-Bella, Kara, Havyn, Elora, Tinleigh, Jayce, Lyra, Clint, Colt, and Otto-were his delight. To them, he was more than a great-grandfather; he was a living legend of kindness, laughter, and magic, who filled their lives with wonder and joy.

A Life of Service and Strength
Jerry proudly served his country for 20 years as a Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force. His years of service were marked by honor, discipline, and love for the nation he cherished. After retiring from the military, Jerry continued working, first with Ace and later with Ventura Foods, always demonstrating a strong work ethic and determination.
But Jerry's greatest calling was as a man of God. For over 40 years, he faithfully served as a preacher at Elm Grove Baptist Church, shepherding others with his words, his prayers, and his example. He loved his Lord with all his heart, and that love overflowed into his care for people and all of God's creations. He was a pastor not only by title but by the way he lived-gentle, humble, devoted, and full of faith.
A Man of Many Talents
To describe Jerry is to speak of endless abilities, interests, and passions. He was a magician, both professionally and for fun, always carrying a deck of cards in his pocket and a rubber band on his wrist, ready to pull out a trick to make someone smile. He played baseball and softball, broke his nose at 16 playing ball, and even achieved the honor of being a Golden Glove boxer. He was a master bowler, rolling two perfect 300 games in his lifetime and winning many awards.
Jerry was also an expert gardener, fascinated with experimenting in hydroponics and self-watering systems. He was known as a tomato connoisseur, always tinkering, brewing up concoctions like alfalfa tea to help his plants thrive. His hands were always busy-fixing, building, repairing-because there was nothing he couldn't do. Truly a jack-of-all-trades and master of many, Jerry could turn his hand to any task and make it work.
A Childhood Remembered
Jerry grew up with his twin brother Gene, under the watchful eye of his mother, Dora, who worked tirelessly as a nurse's aide. Life was humble and often hard, meals often made of beans, greens, and cornbread. Yet Jerry never complained and carried those early lessons of resilience and gratitude throughout his life. As Lula lovingly recalls, when Jerry first came to her family's table for supper, he was amazed by smothered steak, green beans, okra, and biscuits-a memory he never forgot. Their young love grew amidst the watchful eyes of parents and chaperones, and despite youthful mischief and trials, Jerry and Lula's bond was sealed by faith and family support.

A Legacy of Faith and Family
Jerry's life was a living testimony that even through imperfections, God's grace and love prevail. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Ada Newsome; his parents, Dora and Jessie; his sisters, Irene and Lorene; his brothers, Virgil and Irvin (along with Irvin's wife, Anne); and his nephew, Larry.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Lula; his children, Kathy (and her husband Jay), Kevin, and Paula; his brother Gene (and wife Ernie); Virgil's widow, Becky; his many nieces and nephews including Corine, Jeanie, Debbie (and husband John), Roberta, Diane (and husband Neil), Ricky, and Danny; and a large extended family of cousins and kin who loved him deeply.
A Final Farewell
Jerry Hendrix's life was one of love, laughter, faith, and service. He was a man who loved his family fiercely, served his country proudly, preached the gospel faithfully, and used every gift God gave him to bless others. He leaves behind not only the memories of his talents and his laughter but also the powerful example of a life lived with integrity and love.
His funeral service will be held at Azleland Cemetery in Azle, Texas, on Friday, September 12, 2025. Graveside visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the service at 10:00 a.m., where family, friends, and loved ones will gather to celebrate the life of a truly extraordinary man.
Though his earthly journey has ended, Jerry's spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew him, in the stories that will be told for generations, and in the eternal love of his Savior whom he served so faithfully.