Jerry Ray Gabbard

Jerry Ray Gabbard passed away peacefully in Trinity TX on Sept 5, 2024 at the age of 82. Jerry was born Dec. 5, 1941 in Ben Lomond AR to Albert Gabbard and Dorothy Bea Terry Ricks. After a brief stint in the oil fields in New Mexico he enlisted in the US Navy as a fireman recruit. He quickly discovered his passion for healthcare after helping out in sick bay and went on to serve as a corpsman earning Master Chief rank. He became a Physician’s Assistant after graduating with his Master’s degree and separated from the Navy as a CW02. He quickly landed a job as one of the first three PA’s ever at the Texas Department of Corrections in Huntsville TX. He worked on multiple TDC units in the Huntsville area until his final retirement in 2015. In 1962, Jerry met and married the love of his life Patricia Dollarhide. They had two daughters and enjoyed the traveling life of an active-duty sailor. He was particularly proud of the fact that he & Pat had visited all 50 states in addition to dozens of foreign countries. They were married 58 years when Pat passed away in 2020. Jerry was a passionate gardener like his mom Dorothy Bea. He completed Texas A & M’s Master Gardener’s course and joined the Walker County Master Gardener club where he became the resident expert on all things related to growing vegetables, fruit trees and mulching. The tree arbor at their facility is named after him. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents and his younger brother Edward Gabbard of Lockesburg AR. He leaves behind his younger sister Jan Coon of Nashville AR, two daughters – Janet Higdon & her husband Rob of Crockett TX and Judy Herrington of Flower Mound TX, four grandchildren – Brandi Hibbs, Justin Gabbard, Chance Herrington & Amber Herrington along with 11 great grandchildren. Visitation is planned for Tuesday, Sept 10th from 5 PM – 8 PM at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville TX followed by a graveside service in Lockesburg AR at Wright’s Chapel Cemetery on Saturday, Sept. 14th at 2 PM. Arrangements provided by Wilkerson’s Funeral Home in DeQueen AR. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to two organizations he loved and supported - the Walker County Master Gardener’s Club or the Crockett TX American Legion Post 134. Memorial condolence to the family may be made @ www.shmh.com

Jerry Ray Gabbard

December 5, 1941 - September 5, 2024