Jerry was born July 7, 1945 in Houston, Texas to Jesse and Olga Benson. He had a wonderful life growing up in Woodland Heights and attending Woodland Baptist Church. He began working for the Houston Chronicle when he was in high school on the weekends at night and worked there all through college. He was an active member of the Reagan DeMolay Lodge where he helped with countless community activities and coached softball. He graduated from Reagan High School in 1963. He attended South Texas Junior College for 2 years and then transferred to Sam Houston State University and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration in May of 1967. Jerry was drafted to the United States Army in 1967 and went to Fort Polk, Louisiana for his basic training. He always said he was the “the number one draft choice in 1967!” Jerry served his country in Vietnam from May of 1968 until May of 1969 and was part of the 1st Infantry, Bravo Company, Mike Platoon. Upon returning to the states, he served his remaining 6 months in Fort Hood, Texas. During his time in Vietnam, Jerry made lifelong friends and he spent the remainder of his life keeping the memory alive of those friends he lost during the war. Jerry was proud to serve his country and his time in Vietnam greatly impacted the way he lived the remainder of his life – from his work ethic to his patriotism and his generosity to everyone in his life.
In 1978 he welcomed his daughter, Jessica, and in 1980 the family was complete with his daughter, Jana. Jerry loved his daughters so much and enjoyed watching them grow up and being a part of their activities. He was a hands-on father that helped to coach the basketball team, attended every dance recital, worked the concession stand at the swim meets, and sat in the stands at every softball game.
Jerry became very active in planning his high school reunions for the class of 1963 and oversaw honoring the veterans from their class. He also coordinated the ROTC from Reagan High School to attend the annual golf tournament each year. Jerry began raising money for the ROTC and donating money himself. He was always looking for scrap metal, recycling cans or asking for donations to give to the students for the ROTC and was honored for his contributions in 2016.
Jerry was a natural caretaker. He assisted with the care of his nephew, Derek Benson and then up until her passing in 2019, Jerry was the primary caretaker for his mother. Jerry was always helping others. In his own life, Jerry had needed assistance and felt the need to pay it forward to others when he was able. Whether it was giving financially or providing groceries he would give in both big and small ways.
Jerry loved college football, (Let’s go you Longhorns!), Fish Taco Monday at Berry Hill, a cold St. Arnold’s beer (Free Beer Tuesday!), Judge Judy (Never interrupt him from 4:00-5:00), country music (Mighty Merle), horse races, sitting on the front porch with Raye Henri and talking to his neighbors, the beach, fishing and eating (“That’s on my diet!”)
Jerry is survived by his daughters- Jessica Strickland and Jana Benson; son-in-law-Burt Strickland; grandchildren: Ty Strickland and Nolan Strickland; his brother-Woody Benson and wife Carol; nieces: Sarah Bloch and Rebecca Benson, numerous cousins and countless friends! He is preceded in death by his parents and beloved nephew, Derek Benson.
Special thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at North Cypress Medical Center. Services will be held Saturday, October 2 at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale. Visitation at 1:00p.m. and services at 2:00p.m.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Heights High School JROTC. Checks payable to Heights High School JROTC Department, Heights High School, Attn: Sgt. Dowdy, 413 East 13th, Houston, TX 77008.
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