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One of the first times I met Jerry, we found ourselves in a conversation about where I was from, what my background was etc..I explained my grandfather had emigrated to the US from Sweden and there was German on my Dad's side, far back and he nodded thoughtfully..I then asked where the name Finnell had come from, thinking he would reply Scottish, or Irish, and he looked up, thought about it a minute, and replied in his West Texas drawal, "I think Tennessee"......that was Jerry...kind, few words, and to the point! He will be missed.
Posted by Steve Leisring on January 18, 2010
Memories & Candles
Previous
“To the Finnell family I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Finnell was kind and gentle man. I will always remember his passion for music and his...
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1 of 69 | Posted by: Shannon Pence Plano, TX
“Susan, we were sad to read of the death of your husband. He was obviously a very special man who will be greatly missed. Please know we are...
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2 of 69 | Posted by: John & Linda Bloom Bullard TX
“I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Finnell's passing. I was a former band student at Crockett Jr. High, and can still see him sitting VERY patiently...
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3 of 69 | Posted by: Terrie West Jenkins Walker LA
“My sincere condolences to the beautiful family of Mr. Finnell. I was so honored to attend the memorial service in Holliday. Mr. Finnell inspired...
Read More »
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4 of 69 | Posted by: Penney (Childers) Moore TX
“Dear Finnell Family,
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Jerry was such a kind man who loved his family. We cherish our memories of him....
Read More »
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5 of 69 | Posted by: Marlene & Christopher Soderstrom, Lars-Göran & Ing-Marie Erikss
“Dear Laura and Family, I want to extend my deepest sympathy and condolences. I didn't know it at the time, but after 30 years of playing in...
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6 of 69 | Posted by: Bill Franklin Oilville VA
“Dear Susan,
My husband Dan and my family want to express our deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God's comfort be yours at this...
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7 of 69 | Posted by: Evangeline Spencer Mercaldo NJ
“Jerry was my friend all through our school years in Holliday. I am saddened to learn he's gone but have been so blessed to read about his life. We...
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8 of 69 | Posted by: Paula Schaefer Corbett Bryan TX
“I am sorry to hear for the loss of Jerry, but it is evident that he is now at home. God Bless the family in your time of sorrow.
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9 of 69 | Posted by: Mark Chandler Bedford, TX
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mr. Finnell was a wonderful teacher and mentor to Jimmy and a friend to all of us. We are better people...
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10 of 69 | Posted by: Judy and Jim, Jimmy and Jordan Asa TX
“Jerry,
When I became part of this family, I thought you were a man of few words but as our friendship evolved, I was amazed to find all of the...
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11 of 69 | Posted by: Kevin Billings Dallas, TX
“I am first off so sorry for your loss. Mr. Finnell was an incredible band director, he was such a sweet man, with such a big heart for his band...
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12 of 69 | Posted by: Anne Contreras plano, TX
“Dear Susan:
Our prayers are with you and your family. We are thankful knowing your are comforted in the knowledge that our Lord Jesus Christ has...
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13 of 69 | Posted by: Frank & Midge Whitson TX
“I'm am deeply saddened by your loss. I was a student of Mr. Finnell when I was a freshman and sophomore at Vines High School from 2000-2002. Mr....
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14 of 69 | Posted by: Daniel Kiley Bloomington IN
“Dear Finnell Family,
You have my deepest sympathy on your loss. Jerry was a friendly face in the band director crowd. I always pumped him for...
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15 of 69 | Posted by: Cindy Crow Casillas
“Mr. Finnell is one of those rare individuals that inspires and motivates through quiet leadership. He was an exceptional man and as I reflect on...
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16 of 69 | Posted by: Dee (Little) Parker Plano TX
“I first came to know Jerry Finnell when I was in the Beginners Band at Haggard Middle School in 1982. Although he was the Director at Vines High...
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17 of 69 | Posted by: Tracy Ashberry Potts
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the entire Finnell Family. The world has lost a kind and caring man who will be deeply missed by everyone who...
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18 of 69 | Posted by: Allison and Brett Roper
“My condolences go out to Mr Finnell's family and friends. He was such a wonderful man and band teacher. He was my teacher at Haggard Middle School...
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19 of 69 | Posted by: Alisha LeClair Plano, TX
“I remember Jerry Finnell as a gentle, kind, and loving man. Being my wife's uncle, we met mainly at family gatherings, where he was always kind...
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20 of 69 | Posted by: Keith Keplinger Stephenville TX
“My condolences to the family of Mr. Finnell. He was a wonderful band director that gave us all a greater apprectiation for music. He pushed me to...
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21 of 69 | Posted by: Mark Parsons Whitehouse TX
“When I think back to my Vines High School days, I immediately think of the band hall and Mr. Finnell. Such wonderful memories! I was lucky to have...
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22 of 69 | Posted by: Jessa Nelson Waterman Frisco TX
“Mr. Finnell will be dearly missed . May the angels rejoice as he is lifted upwards to heaven . Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at...
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23 of 69 | Posted by: Shannon Baker
“My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Finnell family. Jerry was a man who loved his family and was extremely proud of his kids. His impact...
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24 of 69 | Posted by: Steve Leisring Lawrence KS
“My two older children were in band with Mr. Finnell at Vines HS. I do credit him with the love of music they have to this day. He will be greatly...
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25 of 69 | Posted by: Kim Burwinkel
“Jerry Finnell changed my life. He was my eighth grade band director at Haggard Middle School and guided me from last chair in the percussion class...
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26 of 69 | Posted by: Wayne Owen Fort Worth TX
“Mr. Finnell is one of those teachers you never forget. He truly had a passion for music and cared for his students. He taught me an appreciation...
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27 of 69 | Posted by: Stefanie Guck Coats
“To Susan and Family:
We will keep Jerry in our prayers and thoughts during this sorrowful time. We always enjoyed Jerry's witty sayings. Wish we...
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28 of 69 | Posted by: Charles & Susi Hobbs OK
“Reading these beautiful messages from friends, former students and colleagues is a wonderful tribute to Jerry Finnell, the gentleman and teacher....
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29 of 69 | Posted by: Fred Vélez, Sam Houston State University TX
“To the family of Mr. Finnell, please accept my deepest sympathies. I moved to Plano during the summer before my 10th grade year. I walked into the...
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30 of 69 | Posted by: David Hurwich Frisco, TX
“Mr. Finnell was a true hero to me in my band days at Vines. Not only did he teach me about music, about commitment, more than anything, he taught...
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31 of 69 | Posted by: Jana Dillon Ward
“As a colleague, I always admired Jerry's work as a Band Director. Regardless of the talent level from year to year, his concert and marching bands...
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32 of 69 | Posted by: Jerry Thomas Plano, TX
“My deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Finnell. He had a gift for
showing teenagers the dedication and time it took to be better at our...
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33 of 69 | Posted by: Tena Geiger Worthy - student
“mr. finnel, you used to yell at me all the time!!lol, but i really do appreciate all that you taught about dicipline in my music and we had a...
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34 of 69 | Posted by: shaun kelley plano, TX
“What a wonderful testament these messages are! Jerry was my first saxophone teacher and also my band director for two years. He taught me,...
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35 of 69 | Posted by: David Lovrien Plano, TX
“I will always remember fondly my days as a student of Mr. Finnell's in the Vines band. I was lucky enough to become quite close and trusted by him...
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36 of 69 | Posted by: Angela Yu Plano, TX
“Jerry was one of those friends I looked forward to seeing anytime during the year. He always had a kind word. As an educator he challenged us to...
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37 of 69 | Posted by: John & Dessa Black
“I was lucky enough to be one of Mr. Finnell's students at Vines. I learned discipline and how to appreciate music. I thoroughly enjoyed the two...
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38 of 69 | Posted by: Becki (Arnold) Denetz TX
“Throughout his life Dad has given unconditional love to all those around him. A man of few words, he has given his children many wonderful life...
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39 of 69 | Posted by: Laura Leisring Norfolk VA
“To this day, our family laughs out loud at some of the stories told during band by Mr. Finnell. He definitely left his mark on many and we send...
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40 of 69 | Posted by: Lisa Boyer Plano, TX
“I knew Mr Finnell as a former band student. He was a very gifted teacher, in the sense that he knew how to get out of you what he saw and you didn...
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41 of 69 | Posted by: Donald B. Anderson Odessa TX
“Susan and Family, When I read the obit for Jerry today in the DMN - the words that we've often spoken to each other about Jerry were there - " a...
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42 of 69 | Posted by: Robert and Diane Land
“I began my teaching career with Jerry and I will ALWAYS be grateful for all the things that Jerry taught me that made me a better teacher. He is...
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43 of 69 | Posted by: Mike Stubbs McKinney
“Robert and I send our condolences to your family..Jerry was a great person . We had a lot of good times in Holliday when all our kids were growing...
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44 of 69 | Posted by: Vicki Tucker Rio rancho NM
“I rreally love reading all the great things that others have said about Jerry in this memorial book. Isn't it interesting that we all feel the...
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45 of 69 | Posted by: Randy Storie Midland, TX
“It was pleasure for me to play bass clarinet along side Jerry two years ago. We shared Stuart's (my son) experiences playing clarinet under mr...
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46 of 69 | Posted by: Warren Rubin Plano, TX
“I don't know if Band Directors know this, but they do make a difference in there students lives. I was a pain in the butt in my teen age years....
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47 of 69 | Posted by: D. Bryan James Carrollton TX
“My condolences to the Finnell family. I remember Jerry because he was the first person in DFW I interviewed with right after graduate school. It...
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48 of 69 | Posted by: Todd Payne Rowlett, TX
“Dear David and family,
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I only met him once, I believe, when I had dinner with you and your...
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49 of 69 | Posted by: Natalie Neugent Hurst, TX
“My condelences go out to the entire Finnell family. I have very fond memories of Mr. Finnell from Vines and any time I pass by the school I always...
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50 of 69 | Posted by: Cindy Lenart Dupuy
“Dear Laura,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father today. He was a brilliant teacher and a good man with one of the best "ears" for...
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51 of 69 | Posted by: Greg Hayes Frisco, TX
“Dear Susan,
Tony and I wish to convey our deepest sympathy to you and your dear family. My daughter, Alessandra Jacks Hubbell, is a close friend...
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52 of 69 | Posted by: Marla Jacks Briggle Dallas TX
“Mr Finnell was an amazing man with a beautiful gift that he passed on to everyone he touched. You are so lucky to be able to call him dad and we...
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53 of 69 | Posted by: Shawn E Redmon Lewisville TX
“I have nothing but fond memories of Mr. Finnell. Such a wonderful, encouraging man. My deepest condolences to his family.
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54 of 69 | Posted by: Geri Greenberg Bishop - student
“I am sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of band and Mr. Finnell. Haggard/Vines 1975-1977..
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55 of 69 | Posted by: Paula Wilkins
“My thoughts and prayers to Mr. Finnell's family and loved ones. He was so kind and good. He was my band director years and years ago and really...
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56 of 69 | Posted by: Maggie Jacobs Plano, TX
“I remember hot afternoons in the Vines High School back parking lot, practicing our marching band routines with Mr. Finnell up in the directing...
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57 of 69 | Posted by: Eric Kristof The Colony TX
“Jerry and I worked together at Vines HS for 15 years. In fact, he WAS Vines HS, as for as I'm concerned. He was one of many fine professionals who...
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58 of 69 | Posted by: Doyle Walker Plano, TX
“There are moments that it is still hard to imagine that you have gone home to your celebration in heaven. In the last few weeks a quote that Jesus...
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59 of 69 | Posted by: Natalie Henry - Daughter
“It is with a profound sense of loss that I offer my condolences to the Finnell family. Jerry was a well respected colleague in the Texas band...
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60 of 69 | Posted by: Rey Meza San Antonio TX
“Mr. Finnell will always be an important part of my life. He was a kind and fair mentor and a true musician at heart. Some of my best band memories...
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61 of 69 | Posted by: Jason Hanifan The Colony TX
“Rest easy papa j... in that peace that passeth all understanding. You were a consummate music man, inveterate jokester, a secret dog lover (I...
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62 of 69 | Posted by: Jenny - stepdaughter
“Jerry was a wonderful man, an incredible band director, and a great mentor. My first memory of him was when he came to our middle school band hall...
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63 of 69 | Posted by: Jill Presley Bell TX
“I have known Jerry since I was seven years old. I had the privilege to know and respect him as a teacher, mentor, colleague, and friend. Though he...
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64 of 69 | Posted by: Jason Tucker Allen, TX
“I will always remember Jerry's sweet smile and subtle humor and his willingness to include me with the crowd at TMEA and TBA. He was my mentor...
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65 of 69 | Posted by: Abby Villarreal - Old friend
“I was very sad to hear of the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Jerry Finnell. Jerry was one of the first band directors that I met when I...
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66 of 69 | Posted by: Travis Smith Plano, TX
“Jerry was an institution at Vines HS and around Plano ISD. He was quiet, and soft-spoken, but dedicated and hard-working. He gave his all to the...
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67 of 69 | Posted by: Kathy Kuddes Plano, TX
“My deepest condolences. I'm at a very far away, beautiful place right now as I write this, and I can't help but think about the strength and...
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68 of 69 | Posted by: Peter Rejcek Denver, MA
“Jerry was a kind and wonderful man who shared endlessly of himself with others. I knew him only for the past four years, but I feel very honored...
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69 of 69 | Posted by: Marty Ball Plano, TX
Jerry Wayne Finnell completed the race, held the course and was welcomed into Heaven by his Lord and Savior on January 14th, 2010. Jerry was born on January 19, 1942, in Wichita Falls, TX, and raised in Holliday, TX, by Gilbert Lee Finnell and Jewel Louise Spencer. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Gilbert Lee Finnell, Jr., daughter Julie Ann Finnell and late wife Terry Nye Finnell. He is survived by Susan Land Finnell, his loving wife, and best friend, for the past 23 years. He lovingly raised nine children: Julie Ann Finnell, Laura Lynn Leisring, Amanda Land Billings (Kevin), James David Finnell, Jennifer Nye Doran (Michael), John Spencer Finnell, Jennifer Robin Land, Natalie Land Henry (Kurt), and Emily Land Furney (Daniel). He was blessed with two grandchildren Aidan Donald and Grace Elizabeth Henry, and looked forward to the birth of his third. He is also survived by his siblings Larry Spencer (Pat), Nelda Kay and Mike Robert Finnell. He has always been surrounded with one of the most loving and caring families and extended families, who continue to touch all of our lives. Growing up in Holliday, a small oilfield town in northwest Texas, Jerry set aside the combines and oil rigs and pursued music, which would become his life’s work and passion. He was an accomplished saxophonist and brought music to countless students as a band director for over 40 years. He began his career, from 1964 to 1973, in the Midland/Odessa bands and directed bands in Plano, Texas, at Haggard Middle School, from 1974 to 1975, and Vines High School, from 1976 to his retirement in 2003. He mentored many colleagues and directed some of the most successful high school bands in the State of Texas. By some estimates, Jerry taught music to over 15,000 students throughout his career. His crowning achievement was being inducted into the Texas Bandmasters Hall of Fame in 2008. Universally recognized as a kind and gentle man, Jerry expressed his faith through his servant’s heart. He loved and supported his family with all of his being and conducted the trumpeting angels as they raised him to Heaven. We are better, we are stronger, we are softer, we are kinder, we are more loving for having known and loved you, Papa J.
Note: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Church of the Holy Communion or to World Vision, P.O. Box 70359, Tacoma, WA. 98481-0359.
Only the primary photo has been provided by the family or the funeral home. If you would like to add pictures, please Click Here.
To the Finnell family I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Finnell was kind and gentle man. I will always remember his passion for music and his dedication to passing on that passion to us. God bless you.
Posted by: Shannon Pence Plano, TX - Vines Viking Band Member 1979-80 Mar 03, 2010
Susan, we were sad to read of the death of your husband. He was obviously a very special man who will be greatly missed. Please know we are praying for you and your family during this difficult time.
Posted by: John & Linda Bloom Bullard, TX - Clients of Susan Jan 22, 2010
I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Finnell's passing. I was a former band student at Crockett Jr. High, and can still see him sitting VERY patiently with me on many days after school as he moved me from playing cornet to french horn. The foundation of so many life lessons were taught to me those 3 years I was in band with Mr. Finnell. I was so happy to have found him on Facebook and through a couple of online exchanges, was astounded that he remembered I played french horn after all these years. Again, I am sorry for your loss, but I know that Heaven has gained an extraordinary man and an extraordinary director for the Heavenly music that we will all hear when joined again in Heaven!
Posted by: Terrie West Jenkins Walker, LA - Former student Crockett Jr. High Jan 22, 2010
My sincere condolences to the beautiful family of Mr. Finnell. I was so honored to attend the memorial service in Holliday. Mr. Finnell inspired me to strive to be the best in everything I've ever done.
His legacy of musical talent, patience and Christianity shine through his family.
Penney Moore
Posted by: Penney (Childers) Moore Wichita Falls, TX - Crockett Jr. High student Jan 22, 2010
Dear Finnell Family,
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Jerry was such a kind man who loved his family. We cherish our memories of him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Posted by: Marlene & Christopher Soderstrom, Lars-Göran & Ing-Marie Erikss Jan 22, 2010
Dear Laura and Family, I want to extend my deepest sympathy and condolences. I didn't know it at the time, but after 30 years of playing in various ensembles, Mr. Finnell turned out to be the best director I encountered. He found a wonderful balance between making music fun and making it challenging for us that fostered, in me at least, a lifelong love of playing in bands and orchestras. I'm honestly not sure that I would have stayed with music if those years at Vines hadn't been so good.
You'll all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Bill Franklin Oilville, VA - Student, Vines HS '80-'82 Jan 21, 2010
Dear Susan,
My husband Dan and my family want to express our deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God's comfort be yours at this difficult time. As others have shared, the great hope we have is seeing him again because he's with Jesus.
I remember Jerry as a young man when my folks and I would visit Holliday. He was always kind and so nice to be around. I didn't see him much over the years because of living so far away. My father was Aunt Jewel's brother, Lewie Spencer, who was a missionary in Latin America for 42 years. The last time I saw Jerry was at the Spencer family reunion in Dallas. That was a special time., with wonderful memories.
May the Lord be with you all and grant you His peace,
With love and prayers
Evangeline Spencer Mercaldo
Posted by: Evangeline Spencer Mercaldo Parlin, NJ - First cousin Jan 20, 2010
Jerry was my friend all through our school years in Holliday. I am saddened to learn he's gone but have been so blessed to read about his life. We were in many classes together including band. I was honored to be Jerry's accompanist for his many first class saxophone solos at UIL all through high school. We would regularly practice at his Methodist Church if a practice room wasn't available at the band hall. He ALWAYS got a "first" when our band traveled to Denton or wherever for contests. I STILL have a beautiful rose candy dish that he gave me in appreciation for being his accompanist. It's been one of my belongings for over 50 years. He was a treasure and it's so wonderful to hear what a great man he became. See you one day, my pal!!
Posted by: Paula Schaefer Corbett Bryan, TX - Elementary/High School friend Jan 20, 2010
I am sorry to hear for the loss of Jerry, but it is evident that he is now at home. God Bless the family in your time of sorrow.
Posted by: Mark Chandler Bedford, TX - Colleague Jan 20, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mr. Finnell was a wonderful teacher and mentor to Jimmy and a friend to all of us. We are better people for having known him.
The Asa Family
Judy and Jim
Jimmy, PSHS 05
Jordan, PSHS 06
Posted by: Judy and Jim, Jimmy and Jordan Asa Richardson, TX - Friend Jan 20, 2010
Memorial Service:
Monday January 18
1:00 PM
Chuch of the Holy Communion
17405 Muirfield Drive
Dallas, TX 75287
Memorial Service:
Thursday January 21
11:00 AM
Holliday Cemetery
705 E Olive
Holliday , TX 76366
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