Jerry Wayne Dodd

Jerry Wayne Dodd, 86, of Lumberton, was born on October 12, 1939, in Haynesville, Louisiana, and passed away on March 7, 2026, leaving behind a life defined by love, hard work, and devotion to family.

Jerry spent most of his childhood in Henderson and Houston, Texas, where his father’s work in the oil field kept the family on the move. Growing up in a large household of eleven children, he learned early the value of responsibility. His mother kept the home running with a firm but loving hand, teaching all her children to work together, tend the garden, and care for the family. Those early years shaped Jerry into the hardworking, capable, and loving man he would become.

As a boy, Jerry loved sports, especially football and baseball, and he possessed a remarkable mechanical aptitude. He could build, fix, or repair just about anything, a gift that would follow him throughout his life. When his family moved to Houston at age sixteen, he found himself living across the street from a young girl named Gloria Cruz, who would one day become the love of his life.

At seventeen, Jerry joined the United States Navy, serving proudly as a Bosun’s Mate in Pearl Harbor and Okinawa, Japan. After four years of honorable service, he returned home to find that Gloria had grown into the young woman who would forever capture his heart. On December 23, 1961, the day he always called the greatest of his life, Jerry married Gloria Anita Cruz. Together they built a beautiful life and raised two sons, Randy and Jeff, whom Jerry adored. He never missed a chance to brag to Gloria about the good men, husbands, and fathers their boys had become.

As a young couple, Jerry and Gloria faced their share of financial challenges, but Jerry met them head-on. He worked two jobs while taking night classes at San Jacinto Community College, determined to provide for his family. His work ethic became the foundation of his career in the HVAC industry. He worked for Lindy Dennis and Efficient Systems before founding his own company, Jerry Dodd Air Conditioning—later known as Dodd AC. Jerry was endlessly curious, always learning, and widely respected as one of the most knowledgeable service technicians in the greater Beaumont area. Even after moving into sales, where he excelled as a top performer, his true passion remained solving complex technical problems and teaching others.

Jerry treated his customers like friends, always offering respect, honesty, and quality service. One of his most memorable stories involved receiving a service call while making homemade vanilla ice cream. He finished the ice cream, fixed the Hopkins family’s air conditioner, and then shared the dessert with them. They never forgot that gesture—and they never called anyone else again.

Jerry loved to entertain, cook, and bring people together. His legendary Super Bowl parties and all-night brisket cooks were highlights for family and friends. He was an active member of the Men’s Golf Association at the Silsbee Country Club, serving as Treasurer and helping build a place where families could enjoy golf, tennis, and swimming. Golf was his lifelong passion, and he taught the game to his entire family.

He and Gloria traveled together to Spain, Thailand and Hong Kong on company-sponsored trips earned through his outstanding business achievements. The family also shared unforgettable vacations to Acapulco, Yellowstone, Pike’s Peak, Four Corners, Royal Gorge, Carlsbad Caverns, and the Grand Canyon. Jerry also enjoyed hunting trips with friends in New Mexico, once bringing home a wild boar so ugly that Gloria refused to let the mount hang anywhere but his office. His sons later treated him to a golf trip to Las Vegas, where he played a Jack Nicklaus designed course and dined at Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen.

Jerry’s hobbies were many—golf, hunting, fishing, chess, grilling, and shooting pool—but the center of his world was always his family. He took immense pride in caring for his “queen,” Gloria, and giving her the best life he could. He loved his boys deeply and instilled in them the same work ethic his father had instilled in him.

Those who knew Jerry would describe him in three words: loving, smart, and fun. He was full of memorable sayings, including his favorites: “If ifs and buts were candy and nuts, every day would be Christmas.” and “Excuses only satisfy the people that make them.” His favorite color was blue, fitting for a man whose presence was steady, strong, and comforting.

Jerry Wayne Dodd lived a life rich with purpose, laughter, adventure, and love. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, generosity, and devotion to family, a legacy that will continue through the countless lives he touched.

Left to cherish his memory is the love of his life, Gloria Cruz Dodd; sons, Curtis Randall “Randy” Dodd and wife, Diana and Jeffrey Dwayne “Jeff” Dodd and wife, Renee; grandchildren, Cathryn Selman and husband, Richard, Lyndsey Downum and husband, Jacob, Jordyn Offi and husband, Dylan, and Allyson Dodd; great-grandchildren, Emily Selman, Ellie Selman, Greyson Offi, Kinsley Downum, and Hudson Downum; sister, Twyla Gardner; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and loved ones.

Preceding Jerry in death are his parents, Doyle Conrad “DC” Dodd and Mary Ann Oats; siblings, John Dodd, Mary Ireland, Marceil Williams, Charles Dodd, Patsy Morgan, Carol Dodd, Ronald Dodd, Linda Johnson, and Barbara Michelle; and granddaughter, Emily Dodd.

Jerry’s celebration of life will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2026, beginning at 2:00 p.m., at Lumberton Family Funeral Home.

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