Gerald Dwight Hagee

On December 22, 2024, at 8:33 a.m., Jerry Hagee, 87, entered the arms of Jesus in the comfort of his home in San Antonio, Texas, surrounded by his beloved family after battling cancer for three years. A devoted follower of Christ, Jerry’s passing on his wife’s 85th birthday was considered a birthday gift to her that he is out of pain and with His Jesus.

Jerry is survived by his cherished wife of 66 years, Polly Mae Hagee. Together, they built a legacy of love and faith, raising three daughters: Wendy Southard and her husband JC, Lori Warren and her husband Jim, and Kathy Rudkin and her husband Kurt.

Jerry was a proud and loving grandfather and great grandfather to: Joshua Lawson and wife Nikki and their children Colton, Cooper, Addyli, and Ellie Mae; Zachary Lawson and wife Megan and their children Oliver Dwight, Soren, and Vivienne; Michael Shields and wife April and their daughter Lilah Beth; Jeremy Dwight Shields and wife Brittany; Emma Faye Rudkin and Jesse Beaux Rudkin; and Brittany Southard.

Also included Ashley and Stephen Manning, Brandon Southard and his son Hunter, Clinton and Katie Southard, and Austin and Michelle Southard with their three children. He has many nieces and nephews who he loves deeply. He is also survived by his loving sisters Patty Robison and Ina Sue Osborne. He is preceded in death by his sister Janie Brown and his parents Dwight and Antoinette Hagee.

A life rooted in faith and accomplishment, Jerry was born on October 28, 1937. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in marketing and was proud to serve in the university's Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), where he prepared for a future of leadership and service.

At just 26 years old, he opened Hagee Discount Foods, which became the largest discount supermarket chain in Oklahoma, and later expanded his entrepreneurial success with Big 10 Warehouse, solidifying his reputation as a visionary business leader. During that time he was the director and officer of the Oklahoma Retail Grocers Association and served as legislative spokesman as well as on the board of the National Association of Retail Grocers of the United States. By the age of 36, Jerry sold the businesses and retired, embarking on an extraordinary career of faith-driven entrepreneurship and service.

Jerry was actively involved in numerous community organizations, serving on the boards of Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City, the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, the Boy Scouts of America, and Kiwanis, where he was honored as Kiwanian of the Year. He was also the recipient of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy Award.

Jerry became the President of the Christian Freedom Foundation in Washington, D.C., promoting religious freedom and faith-based principles. He then created Arbuckle Wilderness in 1978, the largest privately owned tourist attraction in Oklahoma, which he sold in 1991. Following this chapter, Jerry moved to Boerne, Texas, where he founded Follow the Star, a Christmas drive-through experience that became a beloved holiday tradition for many families for seven years. During this time, Jerry also continued his entrepreneurial ventures, developing shopping centers and laundromats in Boerne and Victoria, Texas, further showcasing his visionary spirit and business expertise.

In the mid-1980s, Jerry and his best friend acquired Cottonwood Cove Guest Ranch, located along the Rio Grande River in Creede, Colorado. As a young boy, Jerry had visited the resort yearly with his father and uncles, and he continued the tradition by bringing his own family there every year. An avid and skilled fly fisherman, Jerry found the ranch to be more than just a business—it was his personal sanctuary, a place to escape and immerse himself in the beauty of nature.

In addition to his business endeavors, Jerry was a sought-after speaker and author of the book, “Who Did You Say That I Am?” He served as an ordained deacon, lay witness leader, lay evangelist, interim pastor, and Bible teacher for more than 50 years. His appearances on platforms such as the 700 Club and his work with small and large groups reflected his deep commitment to spreading the gospel and empowering others to live abundant lives.

Jerry proudly served in the United States Army as an Infantry Officer and Division Headquarters Company Commander followed by United States Army Reserves. His dedication to his country mirrored his devotion to faith and family.

A celebration of Jerry’s life will take place in San Antonio, Texas, on January 4th at the Dominion Country Club from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. as a casual come-and-go gathering to honor his memory.

The second Celebration of Life event was rescheduled due to inclement weather. The NEW DATE is Saturday, February 22nd in Oklahoma City at Renaissance Waterford Hotel from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The family warmly invites all who knew Jerry to attend and share their memories, stories and reconnect.

The family warmly invites all who knew Jerry to attend and share their memories and stories of him. Both events will provide an opportunity to reflect on a life well-lived and a faith steadfastly kept.

Visitation will be held on December 30th at Sunset North Funeral Home from 10am to 12pm - 910 N Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, TX 78232. Graveside will be immediate family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Aid the Silent, a nonprofit organization founded by Jerry's granddaughter, Emma Faye, who is deaf. The organization is dedicated to supporting deaf children and their families.

Jerry Dwight Hagee’s life was a shining example of devotion to God, family, and community. His unwavering faith, visionary leadership, and loving heart will forever be remembered by all who knew him.