Jerry Douglas Manning
Jerry Douglas Manning, 82, of Orange, Texas, passed away on February 24, 2025.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 8, 2025, at North Orange Baptist Church in Orange.
Visitation will begin prior to the service at 9:00 a.m., Saturday, March 8, 2025, at North Orange Baptist Church in Orange.
Born in Orange, Texas, on June 27, 1942, he was the son of Dewey Manning and Vida Manning (Biscamp). Throughout his life, Jerry was known for his dedication and skills in many areas. He worked as an operator at Firestone and wrote manuals for Temple Inland for many years before he retired. Jerry earned a Bachelor of Arts from Stephen F. Austin, which laid the foundation for his professional career. Jerry had a remarkable talent for fixing or building anything. He was also a wonderful cook, with Gumbo and cornbread dressing being among his specialties. For many years he owned a business called Expert Lawn and Pool Services. He took great pride in maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces. Fishing at Toledo Bend was one of Jerry's favorite pastimes, where he enjoyed the simplicity and serenity of nature. His priorities in life were church, family and fishing, and he wasn’t just a fisherman, he was a fisher of men. Above all, he loved his family very much and would do anything for them. He proudly held the title of "Papa," cherished by all his grandchildren. Jerry was a devoted member of North Orange Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon. He was deeply involved in church activities and never missed a service, even if he had been working all night. Jerry will be remembered fondly by those who knew him for his kindness, skills, and the love he shared with his family.
He is preceded in death by his wife for over 30 years, Nancy Manning; parents, Dewey and Vida Manning; and siblings.
He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Sherry Manning; children, Douglas Manning and wife Shelley; Keith Manning and wife Shelia, Mary Beth Rose and husband Daniel, and Mark Fittz and wife Michelle; grandchildren, Robert, Mason, Maya, Aubrey, Trevor, Josh and fiancé Kendell, Hanna and husband Thomas, Aaron and wife Giorgia, Nathan and wife Jaycee, Rachel and husband Blaize, Abigail, Micah, Arianna, Malachi, Brielle, and Azariah; great grandchildren, Nylah, Karrington, TJ, and Baby Liam on the way; siblings, Charlene Moore and Debrah Mitchell and husband Bill; numerous nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to North Orange Baptist Church at 4775 N 16th St, Orange, TX 77632.
Cremation will be held under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.