Jerry Allan Hitt

Jerry Allan Hitt was a native Dallasite, he was a Texan through and through. He was born on December 14, 1940, to Daniel Webster Hitt and wife Ebba Sophia Brandborg. His father’s family came to the US from Germany in 1714 by order of the King of England to settle the Virginia colonies and they founded the Germanna colony. His 5th Great Grandfather, Peter Hitt was an American Revolutionary Patriot. His mother’s family immigrated from Sweden in 1901 settling in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Jerry was very proud of his family history, lineage and patriotism.

Jerry was baptized in the Catholic Church and attended Christ the King Catholic School, then Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas and graduated in 1959. After graduating he went to Loyola University in New Orleans, majoring in Physics. He made many contributions while at Jesuit and excelled in academics.

Jerry married Jeannie Marie Campion in 1962 in Dallas and had three children: Judy, Dan and John. During this time, he worked for Peerless Manufacturing and Trinity Industries. Eventually they moved to Montgomery, Alabama where Jerry went to work for Gambles Inc. He and Jeannie were divorced in 1973. In 1975, Jerry met and married Susan Barganier. They returned to Texas, settling in Irving for almost 40 years. Upon retirement from Ed Smith Machine Works, as part owner and Mechanical Engineer, he and Susan moved to their cattle ranch in Graham. There he would sit in his hot tub watching the cows, enjoying his beer and amazing sunsets.

When not at the ranch he enjoyed spending time with family and traveling the globe with wife, Susan. Cruising was one of their favorite things, seeing sites like the Vatican, cathedrals and museums, Jerry was a true history buff. Jerry also had a love of big band and jazz; he played the trombone in high school and college in a band with four close friends. He met many interesting people, like Louis Armstrong, Bing Crosby, Andre the Giant and Lucille Ball in his travels. In his younger days, he was mistaken for Paul Anka by a large group of screaming girls outside his Beverly Hills hotel room asking for his autograph to which he replied, “how do you spell that.” Jerry was quite the character and was loved by all who met and knew him. Christmas was Jerrys favorite holiday, and we will cherish our fond memories of him in his Santa hat, he will be forever in our hearts.

Jerry is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Susan Barganier Hitt. His children, Judith Hitt Kuyrkendall and husband, Derick; Daniel Hitt and wife, Debbie; John Hitt and wife Wonju Seo. His grandchildren, Lauren Michelle Ory and husband Daniel; Steven Michael Pena Jr.; Ashlen Marie Pena; Haley Elizabeth Hitt and fiancé Blake McGraw; and Brianne Elaine Kuyrkendall. His nephews Robert Moentnish and wife Minnie and Lou Novak. His Niece, Susan Crain and husband Ray and family.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Ebba, and sisters, Mary Lou Scates and Danille Brandborg.

Jerry was called home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday, November 30, 2024 and will truly be missed by all who loved him.

Celebration of Life will be held on what would have been his 84th Birthday at Calvary Hill Funeral home on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 1:00 pm; followed by a graveside service at 2pm.

The family would like to thank the staff for their exceptional care at Baylor, Scott, and White in McKinney and Faith Presbyterian Hospice in Dallas.