Jerry Stephens, 79, of Ingram, TX, went to be with the Lord on December 1, 2024, on the way home from his annual mule deer hunting trip with family and friends.

He was born at Secor Hospital in Kerrville, TX on June 8,1945, to Thad and Margie Stephens of Hunt.

He attended grade school at Hunt Elementary, and high school at Tivy High in Kerrville, where he said he ''graduated with a marriage certificate'' at the age of 17. He owned and operated Jerry Stephens Cedar Yard, in Ingram, his family's business dating back to 1939, where he was once dubbed ''the Cedar Tycoon'' by the Kerrville Daily Times. He lived an illustrious life… well-known as a fun-loving character who spoke his mind and never backed down from a fight. He loved to hunt, fish, gamble, and tell stories. He was a regular fixture in the Del Norte Restaurant for morning coffee, and again for a late lunch, to the point that a pen and ink likeness of him served as the cover of their menu for many years. After work, he could be found at the Inn of the Hills, or Patrick's Lounge, or Fritzer's, having a drink with friends and talking business, politics, cows, or whatever subject arose. He would leave when the music started, because it was too loud to talk.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thad and Margie Stephens; sister, Mildred Stone; sister, Pat Meade; and son, Theron Stephens.

He is survived by who he always referred to as his ''future ex-wife'', Rena Smart Stephens; son, Tray Stephens; son, Tye Stephens and his wife Cynthia; daughter, Justa Stephens Naegelin and her husband Dennis Naegelin; brothers, Louis and Hugh Stephens; granddaughters, Tyla Stephens, Kalyn Stephens Petsch, Kyna Stephens, MacLaine Naegelin, Montana Naegelin; and 1 great-grandchild on the way.

Funeral services will be held at Grimes Funeral Chapels on Friday, December 13 at 10am with Frankie Enloe officiating, followed by his burial at Hunt Japonica Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, December 12 from 4pm-7pm (Happy Hour).

Pallbearers will be Juan Mendoza, Raymundo Cruces, Gustavo Cruces, Alejandro Oliveros, Miguel Cruz, and Raul Hernandez. Honorary Pallbearers will be Randy Olson, Tommy Dreibrodt, Phillip Graham, Tommy Hyatt, and Rocky Hawkins.

The family wishes to extend our sincere appreciation to Peterson Hospice and their fantastic staff; also, to the friendly waitstaff at the various establishments Jerry frequented, we thank you for taking care of him.

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