Gerald "Jerry" Albert O'Connor's Obituary
Affectionally known as Papa to his loved ones, Jerry O’Connor passed away peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at the young age of 81. He had been fighting a rare form of leukemia since April 2024 and transitioned to Heaven under the wonderful care of loved ones, doctors, and nurses at Medical City Dallas. Because he had a saving faith in Jesus Christ, it brings his family great joy to know he is with his Heavenly Father, and they will see him again.
Jerry was born in Nitta Yuma, Mississippi on September 17,1942. His early years were spent with his mother’s family in the Mississippi Delta while his father was away serving in the United States Army. At the age of five he and his mother rejoined his father abroad. He often reminisced favorably about his adventures across the seas living in France and Japan.
He was always full of personality and musical talent. God gave him a golden voice and that led him being featured and participating with other children on a military sponsored album that was intended to promote “good will and peace.” This was the beginning of his love affair with singing in church and being a part of the youth military choir and continued singing for the remainder of his life.
At the age of 13, he returned to the United States to finish middle school and high school in San Antonio, Texas where he graduated from MacArthur High School. His next stop was The University of Texas in Austin where he studied music and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree focusing on classical voice. He would go on to use his degree throughout his life serving as music minister in churches, teaching voice in colleges and lifting people’s spirits by performing at weddings and holiday events with his signature songs Oh Holy Night and the Lord’s Prayer.
Jerry was blessed with so much during his life. He had loving family, many friends, and successful businesses. He met his beautiful bride Linda Hammons in Monroe, Louisiana while he was there working as a manager for a credit finance company. They would share 48 exciting years building their life together as spouses, parents, grandparents, and business owners. Jerry enjoyed his life with his family and worked hard to provide for them. He was always present and encouraging. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather and will be missed.
Jerry was not only a musical talent and great family man, but he also had great business sense and leadership skills. His talents in business were many, but his care for his family, friends, and employees, and business partners truly set him apart. He always talked about character and doing what is right. He was a man of conviction and did everything he could to ensure that he took care of people. It did not matter how you knew him; Jerry was always going to do right by you and had such a way of teaching and imparting wisdom to people in his sphere.
He was firm about his principles and those translated to kindness and a true leader for all that he helped mentor. Jerry believed in servant leadership and valuing others for their knowledge. He has a tremendous legacy built over 81 years and we are excited to celebrate his life with you.
Jerry was a truly unique man. His impact as a phenomenal mentor, leader, and business owner for over 40 years is truly legendary. He was a man of generosity, honor, loyalty, but above all a true friend through thick and thin. His tremendous energy and lust for life was truly infectious and will live on in all who knew him.
Jerry is survived by his three children: daughter and partner Laura Haass and Kayanna Pace in Avondale Estates, GA; son and daughter-in-law Christian and Lina O’Connor, of Frisco, TX; and daughter Jacqueline O’Connor, of Frisco, Texas. He is also survived by his grandson Aidan O’Connor, of Waco, TX. Jerry was preceded in death by his loving wife Linda O’Connor and his parents Jerry Sr. and Alice O’Connor.
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