Jerry Wayne Kendall, age 85, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at his family's home in Cypress. Born on December 9, 1938, in Mayfield, Kentucky, he was the son of James Edward and Dorothy True Kendall. Jerry graduated from Jackson High School in Tennessee in 1957 and married Joan Elizabeth Haynes in 1962 in Tupelo, Mississippi. He was honorably discharged from the United States Army on January 31, 1967.
Before joining the Army, Jerry pursued several business classes at the University of Tennessee. He began his career at Western Union in Jackson, Tennessee, and continued with the company in Daytona, Miami, Jacksonville, Florida, and West Virginia. In 1973, he moved to Houston, Texas, where he had a successful career in sales management in fiber optics and telecommunications, retiring in 2013.
Known affectionately as Coach Kendall, Dad, JW, Jerry, and Pappy, Jerry had a deep passion for sports. He enjoyed coaching football and baseball, dedicating many years to coaching his children and countless others at Inwood Dads Club in Houston. His coaching had a lasting impact on many young lives, and he was honored to be a coach. His most cherished role, however, was that of Pappy. He treasured spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. After retirement, he focused on supporting his grandchildren in various sports and activities, including baseball, football, golf, track, lacrosse, and dance. Jerry also loved playing golf and made many wonderful memories with friends and family on the golf course. A lifelong fan of the University of Tennessee, he was thrilled to see the Volunteers win the recent baseball national championship.
Jerry is preceded in death by his wife, Joan Elizabeth Kendall. He is survived by his partner of several years, Barbara Brown; his son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Kim Kendall; his son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Debbie Kendall; and his daughter, Michele (Sissy) Weaver Kendall. His eight beloved grandchildren also survive him: Jessica, Jacob, Jonah, Joshua, Colby, Maddison, Casey, and Cody, as well as his grandson-in-law, Dane. Additionally, he leaves behind three great-grandchildren: Alexander, Josephina, and Evie.
Jerry lived life to the fullest and will be deeply missed and never forgotten. He was a Vol for life.
Funeral service in Magnolia, TX.  Funeral service on Wednesday, July 31, at 2  pm at Klein Funeral Home, 14711 FM 1488, Magnolia, Texas 77354.  Graveside services in Tomball, Texas.  He will be laid to rest on July 31 in Klein Memorial Park- Tomball, 32539 SH 249 Pinehurst, Texas 77362.