Jerry Raymond Lewis

Graveside services for Jerry Raymond Lewis, 81, of Valley View, are scheduled for 11:00 AM Tuesday, February 13, 2024 in Valley View Cemetery with Rev. Frank Lorne and Dr. Steve Skinner officiating.  A visitation will be held at Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home on Monday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

Mr. Lewis passed away on February 8, 2024 in Gainesville.  He was born in Era on April 1, 1942 to William Marlin and Catherine Bernadine (Luttmer) Lewis.

Jerry graduated from Era High School in 1960 where he earned All-District in Football.  He also graduated from North Central Texas College with an Associates in Arts degree.  He was employed as a parts specialist at Gainesville Auto Parts for many years.  He enjoyed raising Hereford bulls and farming.  Spending time with friends and family members was a priority in his life, and he was a great story teller.

For 28 years, starting in 1976, Mr. Lewis was elected Cooke County Commissioner of the 3rd precinct.  During this time, he met many new friends in and out of government, marking a special time in his life.  Being called to serve in local government was very important to him.  During the decades that he served as Cooke County Commissioner, he also represented Cooke County by serving regional, state, and national organizations.

Jerry was President and Executive Board member of the Texoma Council of Governments.  During the time the organization was searching for new offices, Commissioner Lewis was the key figure in securing financing through a Gainesville bank so the purchase could be completed.  He served on one of the most important Committees of the Texas Association of Counties, Health Insurance, which literally impacted every person working for a Texas County for years.  He and Paula were willing to travel to National meetings in Washington, D.C. and across the nation representing the interests of Cooke County and the Texoma region, attending the National Association of Regional Councils and the National Association of Development Organizations annual meetings.

Mr. Lewis was a natural networker as he would start a conversation with whomever was in reach of his voice, as he wanted them to know about Cooke County and his beloved Herefords.  He was able to see the benefits of long-term planning for the region and calmly approached challenges which superseded politics.  He was a protector of the less fortunate and always looking out for those whose voice might not be heard.  Throughout his life he kept in contact with friends made through his profession having lunch with long term colleagues on a regular basis.  He recently talked of serving Texas Association of Counties by hitting the road and visiting Commissioners across the state to encourage them and provide a listening ear and experienced counsel.

Jerry is survived by his sister and brother-in-law Patricia and Wesley Smith of Marietta, OK; sister-in-law Mary Jean Lewis of Gainesville; nieces and nephews:  Gloria Tucker of La Mirada, CA, Larry Lewis of Gainesville, Steven Lewis of Lockhart, Brian Greiner of AZ, David Covington of Argyle, Lisa Moore of Marietta, OK, and Kevin Lewis of Gordonville.  He is also survived by numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

Mr. Lewis was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Paula Lewis, and his siblings:  William Lewis, Jr., Herbert Lewis, James Lewis, Norma Covington, and Joan Greiner.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Valley View Cemetery Association, PO Box 366, Valley View, TX 76272.