Jerry Lynn Hamilton

Jerry Lynn Hamilton, age 69, passed away on February 1, 2026, after a short and unexpected battle with cancer. He was surrounded by love and leaves behind a legacy rooted in family, hard work, and deep devotion to the people he cherished most.

Jerry was born on May 24, 1956, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Boyd and Nettie Hamilton. As the son of a Navy father, his childhood was marked by travel and adventure, living in Texas, California, Florida, and England. In 1968, the family settled on the Double 40 Ranch in Tyler, Texas, where Jerry found his true home. He graduated from Chapel Hill High School in 1974 and spent his formative years working cattle, tending the farm, and helping his Gramps grow and sell watermelons.

From an early age, Jerry was known for his independence, determination, and steadfast confidence. He proudly considered himself the best and fastest fence builder around, loved hunting, fishing, and trapping, and carried those passions throughout his life. As a child, he adored his Hot Wheels cars and was famously reluctant to share them, though he would occasionally make exceptions with his army men while playing cowboys and Indians.

Jerry attended Louisiana Tech University, earning a degree in Petroleum Engineering and Mathematics. After graduation, he moved to Midland, Texas, where he met the love of his life, Debra. They married in 1984 and shared 42 beautiful years together. Together they raised two children, Rachel Scott and Kelly Hunt, who were the pride and joy of his life and his greatest accomplishments.

Family was always at the center of everything Jerry did. He was an involved, adventurous father who made sure his children grew up outdoors—camping often, learning to fish, hunting from the time they were babies, floating Texas rivers, tending his vegetable garden, and spending countless days at the beach. Those memories became the foundation of a life rich in connection and laughter.

Professionally, Jerry built a distinguished career in the oil and gas industry. He began his career with Wagner & Brown, where he worked his way up to President of Operations and became widely respected for both his expertise and the many friendships he formed along the way. He was deeply involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the SWAT Tennis Association, playing competitive tennis for many years. In 2000, he moved his family to Longview, Texas, and later joined his father’s company, serving as President of Sepra Chem Corporation beginning in 2011. He also served on the UT Tyler Chemical Engineering Industry Advisory Board, giving back to the profession he loved.

In recent years, Jerry and Deb built their forever home in Tyler, Texas. There, he found his greatest joy in the simple rhythms of daily life—drinking coffee each morning on the porch with his “hon,” Deb, enjoying the view of the lake, and ending the day with a gin in the hot tub, gazing at the night sky. Being at home with his family was where he was happiest.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 42 years, Debra Hamilton; his parents, Boyd and Nettie Hamilton; his sister, Cindy Stephenson (husband Bob); his children, Rachel Scott and Kelly Hunt (wife Madison); and his beloved grandchildren Kyler Tucker, Noah Scott, Sawyer Scott, Charlie Bryant, and Jasper Bryant, who brought him immense joy and pride.

He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, loyal friend, and a man whose strength, humor, and quiet steadiness left a lasting mark on all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.