Gerald Pate Guidry

 Gerald “Jerry” Guidry

1935 – 2020

Gerald Pate Guidry, age 85, of Vidor, TX, passed away on April 22, 2020. He was born on April 4, 1935 to Lionel and Mary Lou Safar Guidry in Beaumont, TX.

Many are blessed with long years on this Earth, but some live in a way that is unmatched in its consequence and impact on others. Jerry lived a long life, and he lived it well. He was occasionally impatient, passionately bullheaded at times, but what brightly shone from his heart to any that he met was an honest character, a deep kindheartedness, and a love for his family that few could rival. He was the personification of the singing cowboy: riding and raising horses from his youth through his later years and singing old-time Country songs. When he played and sang, Jerry indistinguishably sounded like his favorite artist, George Jones, also a native of Southeast Texas and his one-time Post Office Box neighbor at the Vidor, TX Post Office. On May 21, 1955, he married the love of his life, Patricia, and she would be at his side for the next 64 years. They first met at a diner in Nome, TX, introduced by his cousin, a friend of Pat’s, who had set up their match under the pretense of going to get a Coke. From that moment, Jerry was overwhelmingly lovestruck, obsessively doting on Pat. Ever the jokester, his comedic impulses were well known by many. He was always cutting up in ways that kept Pat and his family walking the line between temporary frustration and uncontrollable laughter. He was just funny all the time, retaining his sense of humor till his very last breath. His antics earned him the entitlement of “That Old Man” from his patient and loving wife. Blessed by their love, Jerry and Pat had 8 children, each products of their respective characters and each given a nickname by Jerry. His family was his pride and joy, and he always put their needs before his own. As he and Pat became grandparents, “Papaw’s” loving heart found its greatest happiness, his grandchildren. Jerry loved his kids, but he really loved his grandkids, and they were lucky enough to get nicknames from him too. He made each of them feel as if they were his favorite, documenting as many of his family’s achievements and special moments as possible with home movies that he would often replay for hours on end. A devoted candy and chocolate enthusiast, he consumed anything with chocolate in it, though his favorite were Whoppers malted milk balls. Jerry rode through life guided by faith, love and character. Though he is no longer with those he unconditionally loved, as one of his heroes Gene Autry would say, Jerry’s “back in the saddle again” riding high, playing and singing on the other side, while his memory will forever remain in many hearts, until they see him again.

Left to honor his memory is his loving wife of 64 years, Patricia Moore Guidry; sons, Dwaine Guidry and wife, Tania, of Sour Lake, TX and Greg Guidry and wife, Maylin, of Vidor, TX; daughters, Jerrie Sue Guidry of Beaumont, TX, Lisa West of Lumberton, TX, Lana Moore of Sour Lake, TX, Lori Desormeaux and husband, Alan, of Vidor, TX, and Leah Gilfillian and husband, Archie, of Sour Lake, TX; sister, Alice Dewitt of Beaumont, TX; grandchildren, Ronnie Guidry, Robbie Guidry, Matt West, Keith West, Carl Moore, Crystal Moore, Colorado Moore Mize, Jennifer Guidry Jannise, Kirk Guidry, Sarah Guidry, Emma Guidry, Marjorie Desormeaux, Kaleigh Desormeaux, Mark Gilfillian, and Gavin Gilfillian; 25 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; his beloved dog and constant companion, “Major”; and numerous extended family and friends.

Preceding Jerry in death are his parents; son, Steven Guidry; grandson, Ryan West; great-grandson, Karson West; brothers, Johnny Guidry and Gene Guidry; music legend and his personal icon, George Jones; and his many horses, including “Red Bug”,  great-great grandson of famous Appaloosa Stallion, “Joker Bee”.

Jerry’s life honoring graveside service will be held privately by his loved ones at Pine Ridge Cemetery, Hardin County, TX, with his son, Greg, officiating. 

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