Gerald Ernest Wixson

Jerry is survived by his wife of sixty-six years, Nancy Louise Wixson (McQuaid); his daughters Kelly Williams (John) of Spring Branch, TX, Danna Olson (Robert) of Oxford, MI, and Kristen Harman (Scott) of The Woodlands, TX; and his grandchildren Austin Williams (Morgan), Corey Olson (Austynne) and Alekzandra Schmidt (Mathen).

He is also survived by four great grandchildren and many loving nieces, nephews and a lifetime of good friends.

Jerry was predeceased by his parents Leonard John Wixson and Emma Lucille Wixson (Litzner) and his brother and sister-in-law Leonard C. and Marilyn Wixson.

He was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 6, 1935. Jerry graduated from Denby High School where he met Nancy. Jerry, now an army veteran, attended Lawrence Technological University and graduated with a BS in Civil Engineering. He would finish his career as the VP of International Operations at Target Products, Inc. in Kansas City, Missouri; manufacturer of diamond blades and machines for cutting hard materials.

A leader by example, Jerry was active within both his church and neighborhood families throughout his life where he served as Church Council Officer, HOA President and community board member in Michigan, Missouri and Florida.

Jerry started losing his vision due to retinitis pigmentosa and became legally blind in his early sixties. He actively advocated for those with low or no vision. He believed in Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” His goal was, by word and deed, “to show that others that were losing their sight should not be angry or depressed. One can learn, with help, to function almost as well as a sighted person.” He was a positive example to others with low or no vision by continuing to learn ways to maintain his independence through computer classes. Over the course of 15 years he also had the incredible service and devotion of two guide dogs, Jack and Harley, from Southeastern Guide Dogs in Palmetto, Florida. Jack and Harley gave Jerry the courage and confidence to continue to see the light in life.

Faith, Family and Fishing were all important to Jerry. With Christ as his guide, he exemplified integrity, a strong work ethic, humility and outwardly showed respect and love for his wife, Nancy. Jerry defined what it meant to be a powerful Girl Dad whether it was teaching his girls how to bait a hook, change a flat tire or accomplish what they wanted in life. He supported and cheered his daughters on at swim meets, basketball games, and coached youth soccer. He encouraged and continued to guide them as adults.

Jerry loved being on the water in any form—boating, waterskiing, sail boating or swimming. He loved to dance with Nancy, enjoyed singing and was known to make up an entire song from a single word. “Always with a song in my heart,” he would say.

Wise and witty, Jerry found joy in a good conversation, a joke or a story, believing that these created laughter in others and therefore, in himself. He enjoyed creating a debate out simple things, just to inspire thought. He loved that his girls believed in his “Dad Magic”: when you put something broken on his workbench, he would return it to you fixed. Jerry took pleasure in snow plowing well-groomed hockey and ice skating rinks in Troy, Michigan for all the kids.

Dad/Grandpa—your legacy lives on through “really really time” and “I’ve had sufficient…”

The family would like to thank the staff at Westminster Point Pleasant where Jerry received the highest quality of care by loving, thoughtful and dedicated workers at both The Shores and The Towers.

A memorial service to celebrate Jerry’s life will be held on Saturday, September 9, at 10:00AM at Westminster Point Pleasant, 1700 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made in Jerry’s memory to the Westminster Communities Foundation (1700 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205).

Online gifts can be made at WestminsterCommunitiesFL.org/Foundation/Make-A-Gift (select Benevolent Assistance at Westminster Point Pleasant).

For online tributes please visit www.rtsfunerals.com. or www.wiegandbrothers.com