Gerald "Jerry" Wayne Wilson

Gerald “Jerry” Wayne Wilson, 85, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2026, in Buda, Texas. Born on June 29, 1940, in Plainview, Texas, Jerry lived a life defined by hard work, unwavering devotion to his family, and a deep love for those closest to him. Jerry was the only son of Lewis Christopher Wilson and Clifford Nadine Womble Wilson Enriquez. He grew up alongside his sister, Linda Wilson. Following Lewis's passing, Nadine married Frank Enriquez, who became a loving and devoted stepfather to Jerry and his sister. Jerry married Claudia Jean Byford in San Antonio, Texas, on November 17, 1958. Together, Jerry and Claudia were blessed with five children: Wendy, Yvonne “Dee Dee”, Christine, Gerald Jr. “Jerry”, and Leslie. They built a life centered on family, perseverance, and unconditional love. Jerry began his construction career as an apprentice ironworker in 1956, he went on to build a distinguished reputation in the industry, serving as Project Superintendent for HC Beck in San Antonio from 1972 to 1981. While Jerry took great pride in his accomplishments in the construction industry, his greatest source of pride was always his family. Throughout their lives together, Jerry and Claudia devoted themselves to caring for their children through significant medical challenges and hardships. Their home was built on sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering commitment to one another. Together, they met every obstacle with courage and always placed their children's needs above their own. After Claudia’s passing on March 7, 1993, following a courageous battle with cancer, Jerry remained devoted to her memory. He never dated or remarried, often saying there was no reason to look for anyone else. Claudia was the love of his life, and their enduring love story remained one of the defining chapters of his life. Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Claudia Jean Byford Wilson; his children Gerald Jr. “Jerry”, Wendy, Yvonne “Dee Dee”, and Leslie; his parents, Lewis Christopher Wilson and Clifford Nadine Womble Wilson Enriquez; and his stepfather, Frank Enriquez. Jerry is survived by his daughter, Christine Wilson Cupina, and her husband, Philip, of Dripping Springs. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Ross Wilson of San Antonio, Devin Cartelli of Austin, Brett Cartelli and his partner, Talyn LeJeune, of Pflugerville, and Mackenzie Cartelli of Dripping Springs; and by his great-grandchildren, Jacob Lopez, Janessa Wilson, Julian Wilson, Jiovanni Wilson, and Stevie Huff. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Wilson Koonce, of San Angelo, and her husband, Jerry; his nieces, Ann Koonce of San Angelo and Toni Koonce Yocham and her family of San Angelo; extended family members; and many friends whose lives were enriched by his love and kindness. Despite enduring profound loss throughout his life, Jerry remained steadfast in his love and care for others. His legacy is defined not by the hardships he faced, but by the compassion, dedication, and selflessness with which he met them. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a man whose life was a testament to the enduring power of family. Jerry’s family finds comfort in knowing that he is reunited with Claudia and the children he loved so dearly. His memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. In keeping with Jerry’s wishes, the family will gather privately to celebrate his life and honor the love, strength, and unwavering devotion he shared with those closest to him. The family appreciates your thoughts, prayers, and support during this time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Spina Bifida of Texas, or the American Cancer Society—organizations whose missions held special meaning for Jerry and his family.

Gerald "Jerry" Wayne Wilson

June 29, 1940 - May 27, 2026