Jesse Elbert Sherrod’s much discussed birth was on October 1, 1931 in Axon Ga. He was the second born child, but the first male born to Marvin and Kate Sherrod (a full blooded Cherokee Indian) and weighed in at a whopping 12 lbs. Even at birth he had to stand out. Jesse grew up in rural South Georgia in a family of itinerant farmers in the depression era, tapping trees for sap or picking cotton for 50 cents a day. After graduating high school, he joined the Army in 1949, deciding that jumping out of planes was the way to go, especially since he earned an extra $50 per month. Although it was probably the money that drew him in, his love for jumping kept him there as he achieved the level of a Master Parachutist with over 100 jumps.
While serving in the 11th Airborne Division, Fort Campbell KY, he met Barbara Penrod at a skating rink and the two were married in 1954. When Jesse met Barbara, his life would never be the same again. Firstly, she had a son named Randy, whose father died in the war. Secondly, Barbara had grown up in the Church of Christ…in KENTUCKY…need I say more? Almost immediately this readymade family left for their first tour of Germany after which they returned to the states, where Jesse served in the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC and became a “Green Beret” and ultimately, a father of three. He saw military action in the Viet Nam War and also participated in the Son Tay Raid: a gallant effort by the Green Berets to find a prisoner of war camp deep in the jungles of Viet Nam and rescue the hostages that had been there for almost 8 years. This earned him White House Top Secret Sensitive Clearance and although he never bragged, he was most proud to be able to serve his country. He finally retired from the military in 1971 after serving 20 years and 3 days. It was this same year he decided to make another, even bigger change in his life. Although it had taken some time, in 1971 Jesse was baptized. As he was in all things he committed to, his change was immediate and apparent. It remained one of his most admirable traits.
Always working and never idle, in between being a Soldier (for God and Country), a farmer, a father, and helping others whenever he could, he managed to complete Carpentry and Mason School; building a very large workshop and adding a paved drive and carport to their first home. There was not much he could not put his hand to so after working as Maintenance on base and several other jobs, he decided after training with his brother, he would move the family to Texas to begin his second career in the Auto Paint and Body Business in 1978. He was the proud owner of Budget Auto Sales in the Schertz, Universal City area for over 20 years, helping those in the Church, military, and anyone in need, until he retired in 1996. His love for the Lord grew stronger with each passing year. He never failed to lovingly teach God’s will, whether daughter, grandchild, brother or sister, or stranger. He often spoke about wanting to go to Heaven. His gift of encouragement was unparalleled and is what those of us who knew him, will miss the most.
Jesse Sherrod, age 89, left this world on March 21, 2021 due to complications of Parkinson’s Disease. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be dearly missed.
Mr. Sherrod was preceded in death by his parents; sister Cozetta Morris; brothers Frank and Bobby, son-in-law Denford Owens; and his son Jesse Jr.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Sherrod; sister Helen McElroy; son Randy; daughter Vicky Owens; daughter Tammy Ransleben & husband Darrell; 9 grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren.
The Visitation will be 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at Sunset Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be 10:00 am, Thursday, April 22, 2021. Interment will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 11:30 am. (Ft Sam allows for 50 guests)
A catered meal will follow at the Sherrod home at 11645 E FM 1518 N, Cibolo, TX 78108.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Foundation, Disabled Veterans, or you may plant memorial trees in Jesse’s memory at Arbor Day Foundation at https://arborday.org.
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