Jerry Waggoner

February 5, 1936 - December 31, 2015

Jerry W. Waggoner, age 79, of Bryan passed away Thursday, December 31, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. Jerry was born to Clifford and Lynnie Waggoner in Stamford Texas and he later graduated from Rotan High School. He grew up in Rotan with an older brother, C.B. and a little brother Jack. They were raised by their mom as their dad died when they were young boys. C.B. joined the Navy which left Jerry to help take care of the family. Not only did he start working at the age of 13 but he also took care of his little brother Jack who developed polio. He still managed to play football, baseball and boxing in high school. Jerry took it upon himself to keep his Navy brother C.B. up to date on the sports stories from their home town. This is where Jerry began to be recognized for his talent, for painting a picture, with his words about a sporting event.

Jerry enjoyed his career as a sports writer, in many places but truly enjoyed his time at The Eagle. While serving as Managing editor he had the wonderful opportunity to travel to the White House on two different occasions meeting two different Presidents. As a sports writer he had the opportunity to meet and interview many great athletes and coaches, finding the best in each of them.

Jerry's life was spent in sports and it was his passion. After proudly serving his country in the US Army during the Korean conflict he went on to attend school at Tarleton State and Texas Tech. While on a date he met the love of his life Janice May Waggoner who preceded him in death in 2007. They married in Colorado Springs, Co. and to this union produced four children, Kevin Waggoner and his late wife Melanie of Bryan, Stacy and Roy Flores of Bryan, Kelly and Courtney Waggoner of Bryan and Kristine and Jeff Clifford of College Station as well as eight grandchildren. He also leaves behind his companion Betty Berryhill of Taylor.

A life celebration for Jerry will be held Wednesday, January 6, 2015 at 2:00 pm at Hillier Funeral Home, Bryan Chapel.

Please share condol-ences with the family of Jerry Waggoner at www.hillierfuneralhome.com