Jerry Lynn Woodruff

August 05, 1953 - September 09, 2020

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Jerry Lynn Woodruff, 67, of Houston, TX, stepped into heaven on September 9, 2020. He was born on August 5, 1953, in Shreveport, LA, to William and Betty Lynn (Baker) Woodruff. He later moved to Houston, TX, with his family.

Jerry grew up in the small Shreveport community of Dixie Gardens surrounded by his dad, mom, three siblings, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. A mischievous boy, Jerry enjoyed riding horses and motorcycles and serving in the Scouts. He earned his Eagle Scout rank at age 16 and distinguished himself in the Order of the Arrow. While living in Dixie Gardens, Jerry attended Haynes Avenue Baptist Church where he received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized. Jerry was enrolled at Captain Shreve High School in Shreveport and later graduated from Spring Woods High School in Houston.

Jerry’s love for all things mechanical led him to work in Houston as a diesel mechanic. There he pursued his interest in cars and racing, purchasing his “young man’s pride & joy,” a blue ’71 Cuda. Jerry’s fast car and mischievous nature took him on several storied adventures. When his health curtailed his driving, Jerry took to his three-wheeled bicycle to get him where he wanted to go. His loyal buddy, Mayfield, a Rhodesian Ridgeback Jerry rescued and named for the NASCAR driver his brother Billy was working for at the time, faithfully ran alongside him as the two created new adventures.

Jerry’s natural charisma and interest in people aided him in the later years as he transitioned to life in the nursing home. While living there, Jerry enjoyed playing bingo, watching old movies and sporting events, and sharing outings with other residents. He looked forward to Friday Karaoke Days when he was able to sing to all his favorite songs. Jerry loved the music of the 50s and 60s, Johnny Cash country hits, and rock and roll. He was acclaimed among his group for knowing all the words to every song. Jerry also delighted in his walk with the Lord, attending Memorial Church of Christ and assisting with children’s Sunday School until his health no longer permitted.

For Jerry, strangers were only friends he had yet to meet, and he was adored by the many whose lives he touched. He will be remembered fondly for his crooked grin and all-encompassing love for others.

Jerry is preceded in death by his father, William “Bill” Woodruff. He is survived by his mother Betty Lynn (Baker) Woodruff; his brother Robert “Bobby” Woodruff; his brother and sister-in-law William “Billy” and Karen Woodruff; his sister and brother-in-law Katherine “Kathy” and Allan Grant; his aunt Gale Crews; his nephews Charles “Trey” Alred III (Jodi), William “Brandon” Alred (Gabrielle “Gabby”), Ryan White (Vanessa “Nessa”), and William “Woody” Woodruff; his niece Kaleena Woodruff; his great-nephews Camden, Casen, and Carson Alred; and his great-niece Zoey Alred.