Jerry Donald Wall, of Prosper Texas, passed away unexpectedly and suddenly Saturday, June 11, 2022, after spending a magical week with his beloved family in Cabo, Mexico. He was just weeks away from his 83rd birthday. While no doubt Jerry has made his presence known in Heaven, he has left a hole in the hearts of his family and friends.
Jerry was born in Manhattan Beach, California back in the days (as he would say) when California was the place to be. He was the third of four children born to Mamie Jewel (Johnson) Wall and Elmer Dudley Wall, and he would jokingly tell you that he was the best looking of the pack. His lifelong best friend, mentor, and idol was his big brother Ted! His favorite confidant and most loyal and loving person was his amazing sister, Jackie. His father instilled the traits of hard work, respect for women, love of God, country, and family. His mom was a tiny, but strong, no-nonsense lady, who was an incredibly hard worker. She taught her kids to keep a VERY clean, neat home and to always be prepared to welcome folks to the table. Jerry was “The Dude” his whole life and although he was five years younger than his brother Ted, that never stopped them from hanging out and finding fun AND trouble. Ted was beyond proud of his little brother and would tell anyone that would listen that he was cool enough to hang with the older kids because his brother was not like most younger brothers. If you had the privilege to be in the presence of Ted and Jerry together, you immediately felt the magic! They had a presence…. a laughter… a confidence and a love that was obvious. These brothers spent countless nights talking, arguing, arm wrestling, singing (Uncle Ted in tune… Jerry not so much) drinking, bragging about their kids, their grandkids and always with an understanding of how lucky they were to have the most patient wives on the planet!
With pride, Jerry enlisted in the United States Army when he was 18 years old. He quickly became his superiors’ favorite and landed a job as a medic. Jerry was certain he was a qualified surgeon, because he gave some shots and cleaned some wounds! :) A natural and excellent athlete he was recruited to play football for his Company in the Army. Fast, tough, and always the star on the field is how a cute, young 15-year-old girl spotted this handsome DUDE in Erlangen, Germany in 1959! The start of one of the most beautiful love stories began. Jerry and Charlotte were married three years later in Gatesville, Texas, and he whisked her away to California to begin their life together. He would admit that he might not have been the easiest to be married to during those early years. Always respectful, loving, kind, fun and so proud of his beautiful wife didn’t stop him from being hard-headed with a “my way or the highway” approach to life. They figured it out together, and in 1966, they were blessed with the boy that Jerry always wanted! Steven Donald Wall was the first child, and the pride of Jerry’s life. Their closeness was special and enduring. Jerry knew Steven better than anyone and was amazed with his wicked intelligence and tender heart. His boy always made him proud, but he was in awe of the father he became to his children. In 1968, Jerry’s life changed forever! His baby girl, Dianne Elizabeth Wall loudly entered this world and became HIS WORLD! To say Dianne was a “Daddy’s girl” might be the biggest understatement of all time! From the day of her birth to the day of his passing, they were together. He couldn’t, wouldn’t, and didn’t ever hide his feelings for who he called his “perfect daughter.” He made her believe she was, and it was highly recommended that you didn’t attempt to disagree with him on this! Their bond was unbreakable! He was the heart and strength of this family of four, and his children WILL carry on his legacy!
As a salesman Jerry and the family moved around often living in California, Texas, Kansas, Florida, Georgia, but always finding their way back to Texas! Once his grandbabies came, he would not be anywhere but close to them. The love he has always had for his children was quadrupled for those (as Uncle Ted would say) “nippers” and was pretty close to obnoxious! :)
Starting with Victoria Asley (The Gift ‘96), followed by Griffen James (The Griff ’97), Christopher “Donald” (Namesake ‘98), Nathan John (His Dude ’99), and McLayne Elizabeth (The Bright Blessing ‘06); his fierce love, constant support, and strong protection that he showered on his children was amplified with these little humans! He was always present, physically as well as mentally, and he wasn’t afraid to discipline them when needed. He treated them well and taught them the importance of respect. He came to every single game and often practices too and was without a doubt the kiddos biggest fan. He was known and loved by all the parents!
Jerry Donald Wall, DAD, Grandad, Uncle Jerry, J. Wall, J. Dub, THE DUDE - was larger than life, and every room he walked in was instantly brighter because of his presence. If you knew him... your life was better because of it! He was the definition of “THE MAN”!!!
He put ladies on a pedestal!
He looked men in the eyes when he “firmly” shook their hands!
He believed in GOD and COUNTRY!
He believed a good scotch and a John Connelly song could cure a bad day!
He did not have a problem letting you know what he felt about ANY situation and 9 times out of 10 he was right!
He believed movie theaters and a bucket of popcorn (or 2) were a gift straight from God:).
He thought his brother Ted was a superhero!
He knew his sister Jackie would never leave his side!
He thought his Grandchildren were better than yours, but he loved yours as well.
He thought dogs and babies should be protected.
He loved to cook and share his meals with friends and family… (Taco Christmas is a thing.)
He thought bullies were cowards and took on the responsibility of stopping them. (PC or not)
He could tolerate a lot, except disrespect and lies.
He knew his wife was a classy lady and expected all women to act the same!
He knew his son was the most intelligent man he had ever known and would still debate him endlessly!
He didn’t think his son-in-law deserved his “perfect” daughter, but he loved and respected him more than any man he had ever met!
The day his daughter was born his life was never the same… she stole his heart!
He impacted every single person that he ever met!!
None of us can grasp what a world without “THE MAN” in it will be like as he was constantly making us feel good about who we are! His loss is felt deeply by all who knew him!
HOWEVER… He may have left us physically, but that DUDE is still here!
He left enough courage for his son!
He left enough sparkle for his daughter!
He left enough self-esteem for his grandkids!
He left enough respect and trust for his son-in-law!
He left enough laughter and love and loudness for his family and friends!
He will be missed forever by most, and he will be remembered ALWAYS by all!
God gave this world a true gem for almost 83 years and now Heaven gets him for eternity! See ya on the other side Dad…. Because of you, we got this for now!
We will be celebrating the coolest DUDE that ever lived…
Friday, June 17th at 2:00 PM, Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home 2525 Central Expressway North at Ridgeview Drive, Allen, Texas 75013.
It will be followed with a "Jerry-style throw down party” at The Gin 204 W. Broadway St., Prosper, Texas 75078.
We will send Dad off the way he lived…BIG, LOUD, full of stories, laughter, LOVE and LOTS of drinks!
The service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com on Jerry’s obituary page by clicking on the following link: http://tjm-stream.governorsites.com/blog/jerry-donald-wall. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location.