John Lee Ussery

John Lee Ussery, 63, of Gladewater passed away one day shy of his 64th birthday on December 5, 2024. He was born on December 6, 1960, in Gladewater to Billy Van Ussery and Marilyn LeGrace (Williams) Ussery. John loved the community he was raised in and graduated from Gladewater High School in 1979. He then went on to graduate with an associate’s degree from Kilgore College in 1981. John was a talented musician, playing the trumpet and piano for Gladewater HS, Kilgore College, and Baylor University bands. He also wrote many pieces of music. Following Kilgore College, John graduated from Baylor University in 1984 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. On June 15, 2002, John married the love of his life, Carol Lee Banks.

Professionally, John worked as a Certified Public Accountant. He was also a licensed Texas Real Estate Broker. John was heavily involved in his profession, community and church and his list of accomplishments, associations and recognitions are too numerous to list. He was involved with the Republican Party of Upshur County serving as treasurer as well as a member of the Republican Senatorial Inner Circle for over 25 years. He is Gladewater Precinct Chair #16 and a prior member of the City Council. John loved his church family and was a member of First Baptist Church of Tyler. He always made time to be with the ones he loved, his family and friends, which he cherished. John loved teaching Sunday School and taught for nearly 40 years. The legacy John leaves in his profession, community, church and family is one which will live on forever.

Those left to cherish John’s memory include his beloved wife, Carol Ussery; mother, Marilyn Ussery; sister, Carla Haley and her husband, Tommy of Gladewater; niece, Payton Lee Haley; nephew, Parker William Haley; step-sons, Alan Wood and his wife, Anne, with their children Caleb, Daniel, Caroline and Julieanne, of Tampa, FL and Michael Wood and his wife, Danielle with their children, Otis and Pearl, of Austin, TX; as well as many extended family members and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, Billy Van Ussery; paternal grandparents, Grady and Carlie Ussery and maternal grandparents, Jesse Lee and Grace Williams.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm at Croley Funeral Home in Gladewater. Funeral Service for Mr. Ussery will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 1:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Gladewater. Following the service, interment will take place in the Enon Baptist Church Cemetery in Alba, TX.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Manna House in Gladewater, Texas or Mission: Dignity (A ministry of GuideStone), PO BOX 819109 Dallas, TX 75381-9957.