Jerry Lamar Coyle

March 12, 1951-February 29, 2024

Jerry Coyle would be surprised to hear people talk about how much they loved and respected him. “Full of caring and grace,” someone said. “A model of a faithful friend; honesty, integrity, and humility; Jerry’s love for his family is the stuff of dreams; respected even by those who disagreed with him; what a huge loss for everyone who knew him.”

Jerry was firstborn to a Navy family in San Diego CA. He started first grade in the Philippines and then returned there as a lieutenant where his own firstborn took his first steps. He loved his Navy life and the lifelong friends he made while serving his country.

Jerry met his forever sweetheart, Charlotte Vaughan, their freshman year of college. They started dating and never stopped being lovers and best friends. As a Navy wife, she followed him around the world: Florida, Texas, California, the Philippines, Hong Kong. Two little ones traveled with them, Jerry Benjamin and Rachel Victoria Coyle.

When he left active duty and joined the Navy Reserve, he accomplished another long time dream by attending law school at Baylor Univerity and becoming an attorney. During this chapter of his life, their third child rounded out their family, Jacob Tolbert Coyle. They lived in Richardson TX for years where he joined a prestigious law firm in downtown Dallas. When he left that firm, he established himself in private practice as a solo attorney.

Jerry resigned from the Navy Reserve in order to join the Boy Scouts with his sons. They camped every weekend and enjoyed their adventures canoeing on the Buffalo River and hiking in Philmont.

Jerry never stopped learning and growing. He figured out how to keep his law practice going and attend seminary at the same time, “just for fun.”

Brite Divinity School at TCU prompted an explosion of new understandings. He loved every minute of his time there, gaining a Masters of Theological Studies.

When Charlotte was called to be pastor at a local congregation in Paris, Jerry told her: “You followed me all over the world. Now it’s my turn.” He quickly became involved in his new community, serving others through his professional work as well as his active volunteering through Read to the Future, Kiwanas, First Christian Church, Downtown Food Pantry, and Holy Cross Episcopal Church.

On his last day, he represented his clients at the courthouse in the morning, made his famous chili that afternoon, and died in the evening full of dreams for his future. Even though those dreams will not be accomplished, his ultimate dream of unending life with his Creator is already coming true. But he has left a gaping hole in the world.

Those who are experiencing that gaping hole up close are his wife of 52 years, Charlotte. Their three children: Ben, Rachel, and Jacob. Ben’s wife Hillary and their sons Benjamin Thomas, Andrew Bryant, and Edward William (Teddy) Coyle. Jerry’s son-in-law, Carl, partner to Rachel. Sibling David Coyle, his sons Kace and Keaton, and granddaughter Reya. Siblings-in-law David Vaughan, Frances Vaughan, Jonathan Vaughan with Jon’s children Kayla and Zachary and grandson, Avery. Stepmother, Dorthy Coyle, lives in Gilmer and stepsister, Maria, lives in South Carolina. Maria’s children, April, Lauren, and Ryan, loved their Uncle Jerry dearly. Not to mention aunts and uncles and cousins, beloved in-laws, might-as-well-be-family friends, and countless colleagues in the law and in the military as well as partners in ministry in the Kingdom of God. Gone on before him were Jerry’s parents Newton Lamar Coyle, Nelda Baird Coyle, and stepmother, Doris Coyle.

If you want to honor Jerry’s memory, consider a donation to Church of the Holy Cross Episcopal in Paris, Jerry’s beloved spiritual home. Or support the charity of your choice as an honorarium to his full and generous life.