Jerry Autrey

Jerry Lee Autrey, 66 of Waxahachie, Texas went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 3, 2018 at 4:12 in the morning surrounded by his family. He had fought a courageous battle with lung cancer since being diagnosed on September 5, 2017. He remained positive and hopeful while going through both radiation and chemotherapy treatments in order to gain more time with his family. Jerry's words, "I'll be fine either way because I know where I'm going!" and his fighting spirit, got him through his treatments with strength and dignity.

Jerry was born on June 1, 1951 in Waxahachie, Texas to Walter Lee and Helen Autrey. He cherished the time he spent growing up and working alongside his dad on the Powell ranch in Meridian, Texas, where the family lived for many years. His family then moved back to Waxahachie where Jerry attended high school and graduated in 1969. Jerry was raised with a strong Christian Catholic faith and believed in family values. On June 4, 1971, he married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Barbara Louise Martin Autrey and they made their home in Waxahachie, Texas.

Jerry learned a strong work ethic growing up and worked alongside his dad at Tyler Refrigeration. After retiring from there, Jerry started a second career as a truck driver. He worked for and retired from Dart Container last June at age 65. He cherished the many friendships he had with his co-workers and acquaintances while driving a truck for Dart.
Jerry was a loving son, brother, dad, father-in-law and grandpa. He is survived by one son and daughter-in-law Clinton Lee and Amy Autrey of Italy and their three boys: Cla Autrey, Austin Autrey, and Adam Autrey. Also, a granddaughter and husband Carly and Derick Diaz of Burleson and their daughter Mya. He is also survived by his mother Helen Autrey of Waxahachie, three sisters and brother-in-law's: Nancy and Tom Bow of Waxahachie, Betty and Lonnie Fillman of Alma, Arkansas, and Peggy and Randy Wright of Waxahachie. Also Mother-in-law Helen Martin of Elm Mott, Brother-in-law Robert and Debbie Martin and Sister-in-law Betty Pillow, special longtime friends and neighbors Bob and Susan Howard, and many treasured nephews, nieces, and a host of other friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Autrey of 41 years, his beloved dad Walter Lee Autrey, one sister and brother-in-law Noreene and Billy Pierce, brother-in-law John Pillow, and father-in-law Jake Martin Jr. He loved spending time with his family and hunting each year with his son Clint. His courage, strength, and love will be carried on through his three grandsons who loved him dearly: #Autreystrong (for Grandpa!)

Jerry's visitation will be held on Saturday January 6 from 2:00-3:30, with his service following immediately after at 3:30. The family would like to acknowledge and thank everyone for their prayers and support during the last four months while he fought his cancer. Although Jerry's fight is over, many others are still fighting and therefore in lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society@donate.cancer.org.

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