Jerry William Holsworth

Memorial services for Jerry Holsworth, 79, of Gilmer, Texas will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, September 16, 2016 at Croley Funeral Home Chapel in Gilmer. Jerry would like you to know his work here is done. He received a call, the sort of offer one can"t refuse for an appointment, from which he will not be returning. His new mission takes him to a wonderful place where he will be talking it up with his brothers, Bill and Bob, daughter, Cindy and numerous extended family and friends that have gone before him. Music, laughter and love are guaranteed, the food is delicious and he will never gain an ounce or have to worry about sugar levels again. He knows he will be sadly and sorely missed by his wife of 61 years, Helen as well as his children; Patrick, Scott, Jay and Char. His blessings didn"t end with them, he also had an overabundance of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who are sure to miss him too. In 1954 he enlisted and served our country in the U.S. Navy for eight years during the Korean War era. He managed to come out the other side with some pretty neat technological skills and put them to use as an engineer in the computer industry for the next 40 years. In 1997 he retired from the world of computers, exchanged his suits and ties for a new signature look of pocketed polo shirts, (with the ever present pen) jeans, and deck shoes. He filled his time with woodworking, reading and napping. However, his life of leisure was short-lived as he heard the patriotic call of the American Legion. He was passionate about the Gilmer Post 320 and did all he could to help it develop and grow into something they were all proud to be a part of. During his time at the Post, he helped numerous veterans, created the Veterans Outreach Fair and even won a Humanitarian of the Year award. On Saturday, September 10, 2016 he reluctantly resigned his post as District Commander and made his way to Heaven. Help us honor the spirit of his service to veterans with his final fundraiser. At Jerry"s request, in lieu of flowers please make a monetary donation to the American Legion 3rd District in C/O Jim Sutton 614 Milligan Drive, Longview TX 75604. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Croley Funeral Home in Gilmer.