Geronimo "Jerry" Meza Aguilar

For those who knew Jerry, they realized his unconditional gift of love and willingness to help anyone who needed help.

Jerry was born on July 8, 1947, to Patrocino and Anita Aguilar and was raised in the Lake Jackson/Freeport area.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Patsy Garcia, and brother-in-law, George Garcia; and also, many beloved uncles, aunts, and cousins and nephews.

He is survived by his siblings: Yolanda Salazar (Jacinto); Mary Cisneros (Richard); Gilbert Aguilar; Toni Perez (Ben).

He is survived by his sons from his previous marriage with Ofelia Aguilar: Christopher Lee Aguilar (Kim); Patrick Aguilar (Deyanira).

And he is survived by his wife, Olivia Oballe-Aguilar, and their daughter, Hillary C. Aguilar. He is also by survived his daughter Salina Nichols (AJ).

Jerry also enjoyed his beloved dogs, Abby, Annie Aguilar (17 years), and Sunny Squirrel Aguilar (8 years). They brought immense joy and laughter daily. Growing up, he also owned his dog named Rex.

Jerry worked for Dow Chemical in Freeport, Texas, for 12 years as an operator. He moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, and decided he was going to do what he liked doing best: working on and restoring cars.

He had a true passion for art, mechanics, and vintage cars, which led him to open his own paint and body shop. He owned and operated Aguilar’s Paint and Body Shop until the day before his passing. He performed all the bodywork on the cars himself. His drive for perfection in his work was what brought back all his customers to visit his shop for additional services on other vehicles, to seek his expertise on cars, or just to enjoy his company. He remained friends with many of his customers; not only did they see his talent portrayed in his work, but they also saw his passion and love for his work.

His hobbies included attending car shows and restoring antique cars, a hobby that reflected his patience, skill, and appreciation for craftsmanship and history. The favorite car he owned was a ‘70 Cuda convertible. He loved riding his motorcycle in his younger years. He also enjoyed reading, eating great food, watching Western movies, as he did as a young man when he could see a double feature at the movie theater for 25 cents! He was an avid Houston Astros fan, as well as a Dallas Cowboys fan, and also followed the Houston Texans.

Jerry lived a life rich with experiences and relationships, living it with an abundance of selfless love. He never missed his daily prayers, always praying for all of his family and friends. He lived his life not only in words but in the way he treated others and in the way he carried himself each day. He led a life well-lived, and he will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to cross his path. His legacy will be remembered and live on by the countless people who were touched by his kindness.

You will never be forgotten.