Gerald David LeLay

Gerald “Jerry” LeLay was born in Sacramento, California, in 1937. At the age of 18, Jerry joined the Air Force Reserve, began work on the Southern Pacific Railroad (following in the footsteps of his father and both grandfathers), and married his high school sweetheart, and first love, Marilyn. Jerry and Marilyn started their lives together in California and were blessed with three children, Lisa, Danny, and MaryLou. Being promoted through the ranks, his work with the Southern Pacific brought him to Texas. Jerry and Marilyn eventually settled in Spring, where he retired and was able to watch his family grow. Jerry is preceded in death by his father and mother, Louis and Lena LeLay; his beloved son, Danny; and his grandson Joshua. Jerry is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marilyn; his daughters Lisa and MaryLou and their husbands; his grandchildren Mark, Kevin, Jonathan, Ryan, and Jenny; and seven great-grandchildren. “Love is now the stardust of yesterday, the music of the years gone by” Jerry, or Papaw as he was lovingly known, had many favorite things that he shared with those he loved and passed along to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved the music of the Singin’ Cowboys, Big Band greats such as Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman, and the music of Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole who sang his favorite song “Stardust”. He loved working in his garden and tending his lemon trees that produced “the sweetest lemons in Texas”. Jerry loved spending time in the kitchen making snacks and “pickin’ food” for those he loved. He was a king of the charcuterie plate, and there was always a glass of red, a Lone Star, a “Spri-ite”, or a cordial of Amaretto on hand. Fishing and hunting held a special place in his heart, and he made sure to pass on a love and respect for the outdoors to his kids and grandkids. Many a life lesson was learned on a riverbank, a dock, or on an old aluminum boat. He could often be found on the porch, waiting to share a story, a song, a baseball game, or a cigar with his family and friends. Jerry LeLay was a person who never met a stranger and was loved by all of those that knew him. He was the glue that held our family together and was the source of all of our good. If any of us are kind, fair, humble, giving, hardworking, steadfast, welcoming, well-mannered, loving, or selfless it is due to our Papaw. He will be sorely missed by those who held him so dear and owe him so much. Our solace is in the fact that we know he is now in the arms of the creator. We Love You Papaw - “See you later Alligator”

UPCOMING EVENTS

Graveside Service

Monday, May 6, 2019 2:00 PM Tranquility Oaks Cemetery 22302 Hildebrandt Road Spring, TX 77389

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FLORAL DELIVERIES WILL BE ACCEPTED MONDAY, MAY 6, 2019 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM -  FAMILY FIRST OFFICE AFTER 12:00 PM - TRANQUILITY OAKS CEMETERY