Gerald D. Gross
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Beloved husband, father, and Grandfather Gerald D (Jerry) Gross, 84, of Fredericksburg, TX, passed away on June 30, 2021.
Jerry was born on August 6, 1936 in Wichita Falls, TX, to parents Claude and Nellie Gross. After graduating from Wichita Falls High School and Midwestern College, he was commissioned in the United States Army.
In 1957, Jerry met the love of his life, Tomalta (Tommie) Long, at the movie theater where they both worked in Wichita Falls. They wed in 1958, and were married 63 years till Jerry's passing. Along the way, Jerry and Tommie shared their biggest adventure: raising three sons - Jerry (Dee), Jeff, and Marc. While serving, Jerry and Tommie actively participated in Officer's Christian Fellowship.
After 24 years of distinguished military service and tours of duty in Korea and Vietnam, Jerry retired as Colonel of Field Artillery in 1982. He returned to his hometown where he was a respected leader in the Department of Public Works for the City of Wichita Falls. He also served as a deacon at both Faith and Westside Baptist Churches in Wichita Falls.
Upon retiring from the City of Wichita Falls, Jerry and Tommie moved to the Austin area. While there, Jerry helped found and was an elder in True Life Fellowship until their move to Fredericksburg, TX in 2018. In his retirement years, Jerry enjoyed woodworking, making clocks for each of his children and grandchildren.
Jerry was predeceased by his parents, by his brother Alfred, and by his grandson Joshua. He is survived by his brothers and their families, Jim and Phyllis Gross of Mount Olive, AL and Marvin Gross of Roswell, NM. He is also survived by his sons and their families - Jerry and Rhonda Gross of Fredericksburg, TX, Jeff and Lori Gross of Virginia Beach, VA, and Marc and Anne Gross of St. Charles, MO. Jerry took much pleasure in being Grandpa to seven grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss him very much. Lastly, Jerry also leaves countless friendships around the country and world. To all, Jerry leaves a legacy of loving God and serving others, often sharing his favorite blessing, "May the Lord bless you and keep you."
The family wishes to especially thank the staff of Knopp Nursing Home for their loving care for Jerry and Tommie.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday July 6th at 2:00 p.m. in Holy Ghost Lutheran Church with his Son Rev. Jeff Gross officiating.
The Family will greet Friends from 1 to 2 p.m. in Church prior to the Service.
Graveside Services and Interment with full Military Honors will follow in the Greenwood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Holy Ghost Lutheran Church, The Grace Center, or the Hill Country Community Needs Council.
Pallbearers will be led by brother Jim Gross, and will include grandsons Caleb and Josiah Gross, great-grandson Cade Venable, and grandsons-in-law Matt Kordzik and Todd Venable.