Jerry Wayne Williams, 80, of Quitman, Texas, passed away on October 26, 2026, at UT Health-Quitman. Jerry was born in Hainesville, Texas, on November 11, 1945, to Floyd Williams and Audie Hall Williams. A proud resident of Quitman, Jerry built a life and career defined by professional achievement, community involvement, a strong faith in Jesus Christ, and a lasting commitment to the place he called home.

Jerry met the love of his life, Ruth Manley, while attending Quitman High School, where he graduated with the Class of 1963. Jerry & Ruth were married on June 12, 1965, beginning a marriage and family that would remain at the center of Jerry’s life. Their journey took them from Quitman to Dallas, Omaha, Nebraska, and Concord, California. Along the way, they welcomed their three children, two sons, Kevin & Todd, and daughter, Ashley. In 1977, Jerry and Ruth brought their family home to Quitman and began a new chapter that would leave a lasting mark on their community.

Jerry enjoyed a distinguished career in banking and real estate. Upon returning to Quitman, he helped open the first branch of Tyler Savings & Loan and later served as President of Wood County National Bank. While his accomplishments in banking earned him the respect of his peers, many in Quitman and throughout Wood County will remember Jerry most fondly for establishing Quitman Realty with his partner Reneau Anders in 1988. Jerry and Reneau helped build the company into one of the leading real estate businesses in Quitman and Wood County. What began as a local business grew into a lasting enterprise that continues to manage, sell, and operate properties throughout Quitman and the surrounding areas. Through his work, Jerry helped shape the growth of his hometown and contributed to the community he loved.

Jerry believed in serving others and giving back to the place he called home. He was a longtime member of Kiwanis International and served on the School Board for Quitman Independent School District, demonstrating his commitment to the education and well-being of future generations. His faith was very important to him. Jerry was a devoted member of Forest Hill Baptist Church, where he proudly served as a deacon and treasurer. His church family held a special place in his heart, and his faith was always an important part of his life.

For all his professional accomplishments and community service, Jerry also knew how to appreciate the simple pleasures of home and family. He loved spending time outdoors, especially on his tractor, shredding, mowing or burning a brush pile somewhere. Whether tending to the land or spending quality time with his grandchildren, Jerry, or Pop as he was affectionately known, was happiest when he was busy doing something he loved. His family, his church, his work, and his hometown were all important parts of the life he built, and he leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond his professional achievements.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Audie Williams; his brothers, Lee Williams and Charles Williams; and his sisters, Doris Williams and infant sister Betty Williams.

Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife of more than 61 years, Ruth Williams; his sons, Kevin Williams and wife Caroline of Denver, Colorado, and Todd Williams and wife Kaci of Quitman; his daughter, Ashley Burgess and husband Keith of Quitman; his brother, Conley Williams and wife Pat; his brother-in-law, Monty Manley and wife Robin; and his grandchildren, Hayden Williams, Rachel Reynolds and husband Allan, Jacob Day and wife Mikayla, Annie Rose Williams, Luke Williams, Evan Williams, Abby Day, and Nick Williams. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will treasure his memory.

Jerry will be remembered as a respected businessman, a dedicated community leader, a faithful servant of his church, and a devoted husband, father, and Pop. His contributions to Quitman and Wood County will continue to be felt through the business he helped build, the people he served, and the generations of his family who carry his legacy forward.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Forest Hill Baptist Church.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at Forest Hill Baptist Church. The family will receive friends during visitation on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lowe-Gardner Funerals & Cremations. Interment will follow the funeral service at Concord Cemetery.