Jerald was the 2nd born child and first-born son to Jeff and Amy Larry in Dallas, Texas. A lifelong member of Kirkwood Temple CME Church, Jerald served in various capacities in the church including steward, layperson, choir, trustee, men's ministry, and the male chorus. He was a proud graduate of Lincoln High School's class of 1962.

Jerald would go on to pursue a college degree attending Bishop College in Dallas and North Texas State University in Denton. While attending NTSU he met the love of his life, Jacqueline Washington, and would marry her in December 1966. This union welcomed 2 sons, one born in 1969 and the other in 1971.  Jerald's early working career included stints as a mechanical engineer at LTV, realtor, nursing home director, and at the US Treasury as a Bank Examiner. He worked in Texas Governor Ann Richards administration in the Texas State Treasury. It was with this wealth of experience and a passion for his community that he successfully ran for public office and was elected as the State Representative for District 111 in 1987. He would serve in this role until 1993. After serving his community as an elected official, Jerald briefly served as the Director of Neighborhood Credit Union. He spent the rest of his career as a self-employed accountant of the company he founded in the early 80's, Professional Business Services.

Jerald answered to many names to those who knew him: J.H., Jake (the snake), Slim, Wop, Uncle J. He was the consummate big brother to his siblings and their protector, following the instructions given him by his father. He became the family's genealogist. Long before current hi-tech methods to trace your families' roots, Jerald often traveled the country while searching county census records and graveyards to learn more about and seek out his relatives. Family was particularly important to him. He was as unique an individual as you would find. Tall, handsome, extroverted, smart, and a born leader, he was also quite charming, confident, and charismatic.  Spend just a few minutes talking with him and you would soon be smiling, laughing, and would learn a few things too. He never met a stranger. He had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and feel like they were his favorite. He was a foodie! He loved helping people...and he deeply loved his family. And they loved him back! Jerald was one-of-a-kind and unforgettable. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.

Jerald was the patriarch of his family. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older sister Lillie Pearl Larry Williams. He is survived by his ex-wife Jacqueline Larry and their children, Andre Larry (Cheryl) and Jerrod Larry (Martina). His children: Derrick Johnson (LaShawn), and Amy Henley. Grandchildren: Sydney Larry, Symone Larry, Amani Larry, Cody Francois, Tyra Francois, Michaela Larry, Jessica Larry, Marshon Wilson, Malise Johnson, Kayla Johnson, and Brandi Johnson. Great Grandchildren: Kayden Woods, Kehloni Johnson, and Mason Johnson. Siblings: Rev. James Larry, Alice Larry, Marva Larry Davis, and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Life Story Memories