Jerry Lester Day, age 66, of Early passed away Sunday, April 1, 2018, at his home surrounded by his wife and children. Jerry fought a hard and courageous battle against cancer. Jerry was born on June 23, 1951, in Hughes Springs, Texas to Loyd “Red” and Lois (Johnston) Day.
After Jerry completed his education in Greenbrier, AR. he joined the Army and served his country which included a tour in Vietnam.
Jerry married Lena Johnson Day on December 24, 1982, in Goldthwaite, Texas. He and his wife have been very committed to their children and have raised many foster children during the past 35 years. Jerry was an awesome Daddy to them and taught them to have respect, manners, love for our country, and how to become responsible adults. Jerry was proud of his children and he was always proud to tell others about them. His love for his grandchildren was so awesome; they all loved their Paw Paw.
Jerry and his family moved to Early from Mullin in 2005. Jerry and his wife own Day Stone in Brownwood. He had a love for old classic cars and going to car shows. He has been working on his 1947 Diamond T truck for the past 3.5 years which he got to see finished. He was able to drive it to town twice, thanks to some very wonderful men that helped.
Jerry was a member of the Masonic Lodge which he was very involved. He was initiated into the Bangs Masonic Lodge 926 on November 5, 2009. He passed the Fellow Craft Degree at Bangs Lodge on March 7, 2010 and was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason at Bangs Lodge on April 6, 2010. He holds an Endowed Membership at Bangs Lodge 926 since 2013. Jerry was also at the time of his death the Worshipful Master at Indian Creek Lodge 807, and Treasure at Mullin Lodge 806. Jerry has also held the previous offices: Worshipful Master of Bangs Lodge 926 in 2012-2013, Senior Warden Bangs Lodge 926 in 2017-2018, Junior Warden Bangs Lodge 926 in 2011-2012, Senior Deacon Bangs Lodge 926, Junior Deacon Indian Creek Lodge 807 from 2012-2013, Chaplain Mullin Lodge 806 from 2012-2014, and Treasurer Mullin Lodge 806 from 2014-2018.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Lena Day who cared for him in his final days. His children, Cherie Mahan and fiancé Ricky of Greenbrier, AR, Jerry Lynn “Bud” Day and wife Lori of Mullin, Misty Day and husband Chris of Early, Brandon Day of Brownwood, Crystal Gallardo of Early, Russell Day and wife Margaret of Early, Tara Phelps and husband Tony of Abilene, and a foster son, Ray Lara; he also had a special son, Charlie Kinsey and wife Karen; 19 grandchildren, Zack, Cheyenne, Bailey, Kolton, Brittany, Ricky, Nadia, Azazel, Montana, Ciara, Tyler, Alyson, Kaylob, Kailyn, Aubrey, Carleigh, Caleigh, Chelsey, and Rosie; 1 great-granddaughter, Braylee; brothers and sisters, Lisa Goff of Kansas City, KS, Chuck Scotland and wife Aeron of Pueblo, CO, Joe Nix and wife Brenda of Caddo Valley, AR, Benny Smith of Battle Mountain, NV, Mike Ross and wife Sherry of Hot Springs, AR, Sue Townsend of Gladewater, TX, Connie Nix of Denton, TX, and Cynthia Holt of Wynona, OK. Jerry had many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends. He also had a lot of very close friends but he had two that were very close to him for most of his life, R.C. Miller and his wife LaVerne of Harker Heights and Stanley Doggett and his wife Sandra of Conway, AR.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Loyd and Lois Day; grandson, Ryan Mahan; brothers, Rodney and James Harvey; and sister, Grachia Freeman.
Funeral Services for Jerry will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at Blaylock Funeral Home Chapel with Dallas Huston officiating; burial will follow at Goldthwaite Memorial Cemetery with Masonic Gravesides Rites. Visitation will be held Tuesday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Blaylock Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home of Brownwood.
Pallbearers will include: Stanley Doggett, Charles Kinsey, Tim Johnson, Gaylon Bruton, Randy Reiger, Jerry Rountree, Robert Blake, and A.C. Snapp. Honorary Pallbearers will include the Mullin Masonic Lodge 806.
In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to Sweeten Home for Children (2301 CR 135 Brownwood, Texas 76801). Online condolences for the family are welcome at www.blaylockfuneralhome.com.
