Jerry Wayne Black

Jerry Wayne Black, 70, of Somerville, TX passed away on January 27, 2026, at his residence at his beloved Lake Somerville.

Born on June 9, 1955, in Vidor, TX to George and Kathryn Black, Jerry grew up in southeast Texas where he graduated from Vidor High School, Class of ’73 and continued his education studying Animal Science at Texas A&M University, Class of ’77.

He grew up spending time with family at Sam Rayburn Lake where he first developed his love of fishing. His love of hunting also developed at an early age and continued for the rest of his life. He fell in love with animals while he participated in Future Farmers of America, serving as the President his senior year of high school.

While working at University National Bank as a loan officer, he met his future wife, Lynda, who was a bank teller. Tom Light Chevrolet was his lifelong career where he served as General Manager and Business Director for more than 35 years, developing many relationships within the community.

Jerry was devoted father to Kerri Lyn Black Ward and stepfather to Melissa Ann Wait Simmons, a proud Poppy to Malyn and Blane Simmons, Kaleb and Joshua Ward, and a cherished brother to Delores Ann Black, a beloved cousin, and a friend to many.

He found great joy in watching his grandchildren play at the ballfields and built many memories with them through the years.

He was proceeded in death by his wife, Lynda Jane Welch Black, parents George and Kathryn Black, and sister Helen Faye Black Pace.

A visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Callaway-Jones Funeral Home in Bryan, TX, with service following at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the American Heart Association or The Hill Fund, c/o Delores Black, 945 Carr St, Vidor, Tx 77662.