Jerry Traylor Obituary

Jerry Traylor, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated member of his community, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2025, at the age of 89. He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Billie Traylor; his brother, Billy John Traylor of Fort Worth; his son, Kevin Traylor, and grandchildren Garrett, Justin, Grace, and Mary Traylor; and his daughter, Jill Cox, and son-in-law Brad Cox, along with their children, Maggie and Colby.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Washington Traylor and Annabel Traylor, many siblings, his grandson Jordan Traylor, and his daughter-in-law Teresa Traylor.
Born on July 12, 1935, and raised in Daingerfield, Jerry graduated from Daingerfield High School in 1953. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1953 to 1956. Following his military service, he dedicated over four decades to T&N Railways/Lone Star Steel, working there from 1957 until his retirement in 1999. Remarkably, while holding a full-time job, Jerry pursued his Bachelor of Law degree through correspondence courses, a testament to his unwavering determination and commitment to lifelong learning.
Jerry had a deep love for his community and served in numerous roles throughout his life. He was a volunteer firefighter, a city council member, a reserve police officer, and even served as the Morris County Sheriff for a time. His leadership and dedication left a lasting impact on those around him.
Family was at the heart of everything Jerry did. As one of 18 full and half siblings, he prioritized staying connected with his loved ones. Annual family reunions were a cherished tradition, bringing together generations of Traylor family members-a legacy that continues today with his nieces and nephews.
Jerry's passion for woodworking was evident in the many handcrafted treasures he created for his family. Whether it was a chair, table, or toy, he had an incredible ability to study a design, take pictures, and then build it himself. His loved ones will forever cherish the pieces he made, each one a symbol of his skill, creativity, and love.
A man of deep faith, Jerry was a dedicated member of the Daingerfield Church of Christ, where he served as a deacon for many decades. He and Billie also worked with the youth group for many years, even long after their own children had grown and moved away. His kindness, integrity, and generosity touched countless lives.
Even in the face of adversity, Jerry exemplified unwavering strength and determination. Throughout his years-long battle with cancer, he never let it slow him down. He and Billie continued traveling to spend time with their children and grandchildren, ensuring that family remained at the center of their lives. He truly lived out Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Jerry's legacy of faith, service, and love will be forever remembered and cherished by those who were blessed to know him.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at the Daingerfield Church of Christ. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. The funeral is under the direction of Horn-Nail-Haggard Funeral Home of Daingerfield.