Jerry Cloud 1938-2019

Funeral services celebrating the life of Jerry Cloud were held Monday at the First United Methodist Church of Mineola with Rev. Reggie Day officiating. Jerry was born March 3, 1938 in Fort Worth and passed away Sept. 5.

Private Masonic graveside services were at Tatum Cemetery under the direction of Beaty Funeral Home of Mineola.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Cecil Cloud. He married Mary Goad on Dec. 26, 1965, and she preceded him in death in 2012.

Jerry was raised in an oil field camp. He graduated from New London High School in 1956. He attended Allen Military Academy, Kilgore College, Stephen F. Austin University, and received his principal’s certificate from East Texas State, now Texas A&M Commerce.

He spent 36 years in education with six years in Luling and 30 years in Mineola, 15 of those years as Mineola Junior High School principal, retiring in 1997.

He was a longtime Mason, belonging to the Clinton Lodge #23 in Henderson. He later became a Scottish Rite Mason, belonging to the Waco Chapter.

Jerry was involved in the community in various organizations and boards. This includes president of Mineola Optimist Club, City Council person, member of the Kiwanis Club serving as vice president and president and receiving the prestigious Hixon award for his dedicated service. 

He also served on the Mineola Civic Center board as secretary and president, served on the Mineola School’s Advisory board, presented a program on the New London School Explosion and East Texas Oil Fields to the Civic Center and students of Mineola Middle and High Schools, and served on the Upper Sabine Valley Waste Water Management board.

He was an active worker with Mineola’s Caring and Sharing Programs, a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, member of the Wood County Retired Teacher’s Association serving as president and treasurer, a Red Cross Volunteer and received the Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year in 2005.

Jerry was a active member of the First United Methodist Church of Mineola. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church or to a charity of choice.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Jay and Robin Cloud of Mineola, and grandson, Jace Michael Cloud also of Mineola.