Jerry, a West Monroe native, was a standout athlete in high school. He went on to earn All-American football honors at LSU in 1961 and 1962, playing both sides of the ball, and was the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy in 1962. Stovall, a first-round draft choice of the St. Louis Cardinals, was a three-time Pro Bowl selection.
After retiring from the NFL, Stovall went on to a coaching career at the University of South Carolina and LSU, culminating as head coach of LSU from 1981–1983. During his tenure, Stovall led the Tigers to the 1982 Orange Bowl and was named the SEC and Walter Camp Football Foundation Coach of the Year.
After football, Stovall served as the Athletic Director of Louisiana Tech University and later as the CEO of the Baton Rouge Sports Foundation.
Stovall, a devout Christian, was a longtime Bible study instructor and a member of the Malachi Men of First Presbyterian Church, a group that ministered to men incarcerated at Angola State Penitentiary.
Jerry was beloved by his family and will be deeply missed.
Services will be held at First Presbyterian Church on North Blvd. Visitation will be from 10:00–11:30 a.m., with the funeral service beginning at 11:30 a.m.
