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In Loving Memory
Jerry Wayne Harrison

Jerry Wayne Harrison

5/17/1945  —  5/8/2026


Claybar-Funeral-Home

A Life Remembered

Obituary

Jerry Wayne Harrison

On May 17, 1945, the world grew a little bigger, bolder, and better. Jerry Wayne Harrison entered without hesitation and hit the ground running. The day after he graduated high school, he married his sweetheart from junior high, Brenda Jean Brown, whom he affectionately referred to as his “loving bride.” His daughters, Rhonda and Jeannie, were his pride and joy, and he never missed an opportunity to show them his love, affection, and devotion. He was always just “one phone call away.” He’d arrive home every evening, leaving work in the truck, hanging his hat on the peg and putting his boots by the door, all while announcing, “Honey, I’m home!”

He was a man of structure and purpose, and worked as a Lineman for over 50 years, retiring from The Newtron Group at 71 years old as a Lineman Superintendent. He believed that Sundays were for church, weekdays were for work, and Saturdays were for “sky’s the limit” adventures. The Bible was his instruction manual. His love and faith in God were profound and evident in every aspect of his life. He lived a life of servitude and leadership, housing strangers when called upon and never thinking twice about it. He believed firmly in taking care of the widows and all those in need. He loved projects with his brother, fishing with his grandsons, and anything with wheels: motorcycles, trikes, bikes, cars, trucks, tractors, go-carts, and unicycles. You name it; he could make it, drive it, ride it, or catch it. His humor was endless—a crowd-pleaser and advice-giver all wrapped into one precious package.

He earned his heavenly wings surrounded by the family he created at 4:36 PM on Friday, May 8, 2026. He leaves behind a family that not only loves him but also respects, adores, and strives to live by his example.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Mary Joe and JT Harrison, and his sisters, Juanita Mosley and Judy Harrison. He is cherished by his wife of 62 years, Brenda; his two daughters, Rhonda Braud and her husband, Brian Braud, Jeannie Istre and her husband, Curt Istre; four grandchildren: Blake and his wife, Mysti Istre, Steven and his wife, Becky Istre, Jaren and his wife, Mary-Katelyn Braud, and Sophie and her husband, Christian Simmons; two step-grandchildren: Kelly and Alicia Braud, and six great-grandchildren: Dylan, Kenidee, Mason, Kheaper, and Jackson Istre, and Jenson Braud. He also leaves behind four step-great-grandchildren: Kyler, McKinley, Bryley, and Everleigh, and countless others who viewed him as a fatherly figure. Additionally, he is survived by six siblings: Albert, Richard, Norman, Mary, Ruby, and Evelyn, whom he loved deeply and spoke of daily.

Funeral services for Jerry will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, Texas. Officiating will be Chris Eppler of Mauriceville Church of Christ. Visitation time will be held prior to the service beginning at 10:00 am, Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, Texas.

Service Details

Gatherings in remembrance

Visitation

Thursday, May 14, 2026 · 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Claybar Funeral Home - Orange
504 N. 5th St., Orange, TX 77630

Funeral

Thursday, May 14, 2026 · 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Claybar Funeral Home - Orange
504 N. 5th St., Orange, TX 77630

Messages of Love

From family and friends

Mike Ball May 14, 2026
Jerry, Trudy and I all use to scuffle around on the Curtis School playgrounds. Both, two of my favorite classmates. Trudy finally drug Jerry to one of our mini-reunions several years ago, and it was so good to see them both again. RIP.
Ken May 13, 2026
Rest In Peace My Fellow Friend. May God Blessings Be Upon Your Family. KBS Electric Family.
The Griffith Family May 13, 2026
Our deepest sympathies. We hope you find comfort in a lifetime of memories, and in knowing you will see him again in Heaven. Love, Steve, Lana and Gage Griffith
Lindsay and Isaiah Grande May 13, 2026
We are so very saddened to hear about the passing of Mr Jerry. Our hearts hurt for you guys. Lifting his family up in prayers for peace and comfort during this difficult time. We will miss his little car chats and check ins when driving by and his kindness. One of the kindest/genuine humans I have ever met.
Allyssa Richard May 13, 2026
I only had the privilege of working with Jerry a short time before he retired, but he was one of the kindest and funniest people I had ever met. He left a lasting impression. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Mike Defee May 13, 2026
Of all the people I have had the pleasure of working around through my career, Jerry Harrison was at the top. The world isn’t quite as bright without him in it. His attitude and approach to life were incredible and inspiring. He CHOSE everyday to have a great attitude regardless of what was happening around him. I loved him with all of my being and will miss him more than I can express. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I’m out of town and won’t be at the service but know that I’ll be thinking of him!!!
Carlene “Corvette “ Quebedeaux May 13, 2026
Dear Brenda & family, How my heart is breaking along with yours. I’ll never forget meeting you & Jerry while camping at St. Augustine Park. From that point on, camping was a fun time with him around. I pray the Jesus will wrap his arms around each of you during this difficult time and all your memories will continue to make your heart smile, I know it will mine! May you rest in Heavenly Peace Jerry, Love, Corvette
Jen and Kevin Wolfford May 13, 2026
We are so sorry for your loss. Jerry will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jackie Dumas. May 12, 2026
Dear Brenda and family. We're so sorry for the loss of Jerry. We loved him, as everyone did. He will be missed by all
Becky von Schriltz Miller May 12, 2026
I knew Jerry Wayne from band at Lutcher Stark High School. He was always one of my favorite guys in the band - he was just a hoot. I’m sure he has all the angels laughing up in heaven!!
Jan Childress May 12, 2026
When we received the sad news of Jerry's soul leaving this earth all I could think was our loss was Heaven's gain! Jerry was the funniest human I know and no way would he leave you without making you have a good laugh! His whole life was God, family, service and love! May God bless Brenda and her family with wonderful memories and comfort that only He can give.
Janice Dykes Martin May 12, 2026
Dear Brenda and family. Our hearts go out to you at this time. We know how very much Jerry will be missed. All our love and sympathy to you all
Verle Tate May 12, 2026
Jerry Harrison was a godly man who my family and I were privileged to know. Our prayers are for his family at this difficult time.
Motchen Hayes May 12, 2026
I’m so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. My heartfelt condolences are extended to his family who meant the world to him. I worked with Jerry for many years and he was the epitome of ‘a glass half full’ kind of guy. His positivity was contagious. He lived a life of faith and walked with the Lord with pep in his step, singing a tune each and every day. He never met a stranger and was always the first to volunteer to help anyone in need. He lovingly spoke of his ‘bride’ and ‘favorite oldest daughter’ and ‘favorite youngest daughter’ all the time. One of my favorite memories of Jerry was the day he accidentally wore Brenda’s jeans to work. Most men would have driven back home to change….not Jerry! He strutted around in those jeans all day like he was a model walking a runway! Classic Jerry.
Carrie Dykes Crenshaw May 12, 2026
To Brenda and all of Jerry’s family, please accept our sincerest sympathy for your great loss. Jerry was a joy to be around, always telling funny stories and keeping us laughing. We are thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers during this difficult time.
Tommy & Debra Paulsen May 12, 2026
I met Jerry back in 1984 working together on projects that needed power. He had nicknames for you and he was fun to work with. I knew he was a Christian by his character and when Debra and I moved over to the Mauriceville church of christ it was special catching up my Brother in Christ. Our prayers for Brenda and all the family through this difficult time and may our good Lord comfort you with many Memories of Jerry.
Leilani Baker May 12, 2026
Jerry and Brenda were at the very heart of our best times in our 3 years at Orange. Love them both.
Angela Hudson May 12, 2026
Jerry is one of the few men I have ever known that was good all the way down to the core! He was a joy to be around and always had something good to say about everyone and everything even when there wasn’t! He was my first cousin and I had nothing but love and respect for him. He was a great husband and father. We all were blessed to have him in our lives. Rest in peace Jerry, I love you cuz!
Woody Landry May 12, 2026
Meme so so sorry for your loss. I worked with Jerry 28 years and the last 2 we worked together I had a goal to make him mad. Well I failed drastically. Jerry was one of a kind He was kind and generous along with VERY humorous. After we both retired we stayed in contact and he would call me every Christmas. I will miss him for sur
Elson Snider May 12, 2026
Sending my condolences to the family, and loved ones! I worked around Jerry for almost 30 yrs at Newtron. I can honestly say he was one of the humans I’ve ever met! I never seen him mad. He was always whistling, and singing something. He gave me a nickname that I still carry today. I loved being around him, and Brenda( such a great couple) Jerry will be missed! Sending Love, and prayers to all.
Tony and Glenda May 11, 2026
We will forever miss Paw!
Doug Childress May 11, 2026
Jerry was one of THE best!! Always kind,cordial and quick witted. We had lots of good times with Jerry and family along with the Tates. I will surely miss him not being in this world. Our condolences to his family. We send our prayers for the family.
John & Annie Sims May 11, 2026
We are sending our love and prayers to Mr. Jerry’s family. We are so sorry to hear the news. I really enjoyed our visit when he would stop by the house and visit. He was a wonderful neighbor. It was my honor and privilege knowing Mr. Jerry. Prayers sent 🙏🙏🙏❤️

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Claybar Funeral Home