Jerry Lee Wisdom

Ret. Major Jerry Lee Wisdom of Garland, Texas passed away on March 13, 2026. He was born in Wichita Falls, Texas on July 6, 1941 and was raised in Dallas, Texas. Jerry graduated from Dallas High School in 1959 and then enlisted in the U.S. Army. His first assignment took him to Germany where he met his wife of 63 years, Klara Gruner. They were married on Sept. 1, 1962 in Germany. Jerry’s career in the military spanned 22 years. He did two tours of combat duty in Vietnam after attending flight school in Fort Rucker, AL and OCS (Officer’s Candidate School) in Fort Sill, OK. He loved his time as a helicopter pilot the most. He also enjoyed his time in Germany working with and training German Soldiers. He retired on May 31, 1982 from Fort Hood, Texas where he had been assigned in 1977 after his last tour in Germany. Jerry received many honors and awards during his military service including the Distinguished Flying Cross; Bronze Star Medal w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Air medal; Army Commendation Medal w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster; National Defense Service Medal; and more. During his time in the military he also received his Bachelors Degree of Science from Cameron College and his Masters Degree of Economics from the University of Oklahoma.

After retiring from the military, Jerry went to work for the State of Texas’ Dept. of Human Services in Austin, Texas. He retired in 2003. From Austin, Klara and he moved to Garland, Texas to be closer to their kids and their grandchildren. He enjoyed watching his grandkids at their sporting events and pursuing their passions. He enjoyed fishing, playing bridge, reading, running and family game nights. He ran marathons with his son, Robert. Jerry will be remembered for his outgoing personality – he never met a stranger – and his fun loving attitude. He was a member of the Freemasons. He also was an active member of the Messiah Lutheran Church in Plano where he would volunteer to work summer camps with his daughter, Barbara.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Glenn Roy Wisdom and Lola Mae Whisenant; and his son Robert Jay Wisdom. He is survived by his wife, Klara Gruner Wisdom; his daughters Barbara McCoy (Cash) and Carolyn Sturgeon (Chuck); his son, Hans Michael Wisdom (Aimee); his daughter-in law Dorothy San Miguel; his 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; his brother Melvin Wisdom (Sylvia) and numerous cousins.