Jerry Allen Colley

Jerry Colley, a resident of Leander, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on November 9, 2021, at the age of 87 years. He was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on October 26,1934, and grew up and spent most of his adult life in Houston, Texas. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1954 and attended the University of Houston.

He founded Gulf State Crane and Equipment on July 3, 1974, and he ran his successful business until 2001 when he retired to his dream home in Leander. His quick wit, practical jokes, and infectious laugh and smile made him a joy to be around. The consummate host, Jerry loved entertaining family and friends with his legendary fried fish or pasta and lots of red wine. Never did Jerry meet a stranger or speak ill of anyone.

He was a true “renaissance man.” From golfing to sailing, orchid growing to nature photography, magic to arrowhead collecting, stargazing to lots of fishing at his beach house in San Luis Pass, Texas, Jerry tackled life with enthusiasm.

When a younger man in Houston, Jerry played guitar in a country and western band, The Rhythm Wranglers, and rode and roped in area rodeos. As an older man, he marshaled golf tournaments, including those for the Senior PGA. In between, he raised children, made many colorful friends, ran 5Ks, cheered on the Houston Oilers and booed the Dallas Cowboys, won gardening trophies, played many games of Balderdash, traveled abroad to Italy, France, England, Croatia, and Hawaii, and skied the hardest runs in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Jerry was predeceased by his father Orvell, mother Josephine, stepfather Gary Gray, and brother Don.

Jerry leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Nancy – the love of his life and deepest friend. His survivors also include sister Carolyn Plummer, sons Dean and Reid Colley, daughter Caryn Kelley, stepson Monty Echols, stepdaughters Keleigh Kretz, Jere Raridon and Lynn Raridon Maddox, and their respective spouses and partners, 13 grandchildren, and scores of other family members and friends.

Jerry will be terribly missed and always cherished. A Life Celebration will be held in early 2022. Please share your memories and condolences on this website.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenchapelofthehills.com for the Colley family.