Grady Austin "Jerry" Wilkerson

GRADY AUSTIN (JERRY) WILKERSON

Grady Austin (Jerry) Wilkerson passed away at Courtyards Memory Care in Odessa, Texas on July 16, 2025. He was 99 years old (46 days from being 100 years old.)

Jerry was born in Forest, Mississippi on September 1, 1925 to Willie Harris & Ruby Wilkerson. After graduating from high school, he was drafted into active service in the Navy on October 30, 1943. Following his training, he became a member of the Patrol Bombing Squadron VPB-117 flying PB4Y-1 and PB4Y-2 aircraft. They became known as the “Blue Raiders.” The VPB-117 complied the best composite combat record of all U. S. Navy squadrons in World War II. “For the squadron’s extraordinary heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces…” the squadron was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. Jerry received two gold stars for Naval Aviation in the Pacific Ocean Area and was discharged from the Navy on January 6, 1946.

Following his service in the Navy, he met Geraldine Prickett in Kilgore, Texas, and they were married on February 3, 1951. They moved to Odessa, Texas in 1955 and bought their house in 1956. Jerry went to work for the Post Office in 1956 and retired on September 30, 1987. During this time, he also worked two other jobs at night to support his family.

Jerry was quite the handyman and really believed when all else failed that “duct tape” could fix anything. He also loved Mojo football, and was the proud owner of season tickets for at least 50 years, rarely missing a game. He loved attending the activities of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

As a family, we lovingly called him “Dad”, “Daddy”, “PaPaw”, and “PawPaw”. He was fondly called “PaPaw” by our extended families and friends. We were so blessed to have him as a father, father-in-law, grandfather and great-grandfather. We were able to share so many awesome memories including marriages, births of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. All of our life activities with him will never be forgotten.

Jerry had been a member of Sherwood Baptist Church since July 19, 1968. Until the need for him to be in assisted living and memory care, he was a fixture sitting on his pew on Sunday Mornings. The church had several activities that he loved being involved with, and he was always willing to help.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine Wilkerson; son, Grady Lynn Wilkerson; great-granddaughter, Olivia Wilkerson; parents, Willie Harris & Ruby Wilkerson; brother and sister-in-law, Woodrow & Billie Wilkerson; brother and sister-in-law, Major & Alice Wilkerson; sister and brother-in-law, Mable & Gilbert Evans; and sister and brother-in-law, Willa Reese & Guy Barrett.

He is survived by his son, Jerry Michael Wilkerson and his wife, Delana of Odessa, TX; daughter, Melanie Michelle Miles and her husband, Randy of Georgetown, TX; daughter-in-law Michele Ann Wilkerson of Sugar Land, TX; six grandchildren, Jason Wilkerson and his wife, Ellen of Odessa, TX; Darren Wilkerson and his wife, Erin of Odessa, TX; Ryan Wilkerson of Houston, TX; Lane Miles of Georgetown, TX; Kyle Wilkerson and his wife, Lindsey of Fulshear, TX; Kelly Bronson and her husband, Evan of Houston, TX; and six great-grandchildren, Cooper Wilkerson, Major Wilkerson and Whitley Wilkerson of Odessa, TX; Mason Wilkerson; and Sutton and Hughes Bronson of Houston, TX; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM with the Graveside to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home with Pastor Harry Irwin officiating.

Honorary Pallbearers are grandchildren Jason Wilkerson, Darren Wilkerson, Ryan Wilkerson, Lane Miles, and Kyle Wilkerson. Great-grandchildren Cooper Wilkerson, Major Wilkerson, Mason Wilkerson and Hughes Bronson.

We would like to thank Dr. J. Naidu and his staff for the many years that they took care of our Mom and Dad.

A special thank you to Kasandra Lee, the nurses and caregivers at Courtyards, and to Tommy, who kept him (Mr. Jerry) supplied in food and drink. Thank you to Bobbie, Jessica and the staff at Gentiva Hospice. We appreciate all of these people for being so kind and taking special care of our Dad.

Services are entrusted to Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Sherwood Baptist Church, Odessa, Texas.