On Wednesday, November 11, 2020, Gerrad Heath Walley, loving husband and father of three children, passed away at age 46, at his home in Kingwood, TX. He was surrounded by loved ones that will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest and remembering him in each adventure and achievement to come. His battle with cancer showcased his courage in facing life’s challenges and despite the pain, Gerrad stayed strong until the end and did what Gerrad always did, which was to protect his wife and kids.
Gerrad was born in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, TX, to Edsel and Claudia Kay Walley on January 25, 1974. Shortly after Gerrad was born, his family moved to Wichita Falls, TX where he grew up, had many friends and graduated from Rider High School.
After high school, Gerrad attended Midwestern State University and then The University of Texas at Austin where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics. It was at UT that Gerrad began a dance with his future wife, Jana Wofford. They met at a dancehall called “Dance Across Texas” and spent the next 25 years doing just that – dancing through life in each other’s arms and loving each other through it all. Even through all the ups and downs life handed them, they continued their dance together. Their dance was made official on April 29, 2000 in Fort Worth, TX when they wed. But the dance has not ended, the dance continues today as love never dies.
After marrying, they moved to Austin, TX and Gerrad worked in the semiconductor industry until he began his career with BNSF Railway in September 2005. Gerrad and Jana had their first child, Reed, on September 30, 2006 in Austin, TX. You should have seen Gerrad’s face when Reed was born, the pride and love for his son was instant and vast.
Soon after Reed was born, the family began a series moves for his BNSF career that would take them to Temple, TX, Humble, TX, Fort Worth, TX, Kingwood, TX and Denver, CO. Over the course of the 15 years he worked for BNSF, they would move eight times and Gerrad would hold over 10 positions for BNSF with the last being General Director of Transportation for the Powder River Division. The time spent at BNSF and the moves made for each position, resulted in countless friends being made all over the country in the communities they lived in, with co-workers and neighbors. It was an adventure that bonded the family together.
Gerrad received many awards and accolades in his life, including being the youngest to ever achieve the rank of Eagle Scout in the State of Texas at the age of 13. He was even invited to the Texas State Capital to meet the governor in recognition of that achievement. While at BNSF, he was named 2017 Employee of the Year for his efforts in the recovery from damage caused by Hurricane Harvey to the Gulf Coast region. The list goes on.
In 2012, the family expanded with the birth of Sara Kate Walley in Houston, TX. She was a Daddy’s girl from the very beginning and captured his heart immediately. Gerrad was a family man. His love for his wife and kids was immeasurable. He worked hard for them every day and put them first in every way.
Gerrad was an avid outdoorsman, a crack shot, a Longhorn fan, stealthily funny and a great friend. But most of all Gerrad was a man of character and his character showed through in all facets of his life – his family, his work, his friendship and his leadership.
He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Jana Walley; his son, Reed Heath Walley, age 14; his daughter, Sara Kate Walley, age 8; his mother, Claudia Kay Walley of Saginaw, TX; his sister, Kimberly Ladwig of Mansfield, TX, her husband Bill and their four daughters, Lindy, Bristin, Mandi and Megan, as well as other beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, other family and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Emily Jana Walley, and his father, Edsel Walley.
The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, November 18th, 2020 from 5 PM to 7 PM and a graveside service will be held at 10 AM on Thursday, November 19th, 2020 at Moore Funeral Home, 1219 North Davis Drive, Arlington, TX 76012.
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