Jerry Rix

December 22, 1929 - May 20, 2016

Funeral services for Jerry Rix, age 86, of Rusk are scheduled for 11 a.m., visitation at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 25 2016 at Wallace- Thompson Funeral Home with Judge Chris Davis, Judge Bascom Bentley, and Judge Erin Ford officiating. Interment will be at Lynches Chapel Cemetery near Alto. Mr. Rix passed away May 20, 2016 at Tyler, Texas. He was born December 22, 1929 in Alto to the late Vernon and Mavis Rix. Jerry graduated from Alto High School and was a member of Lynches Chapel Methodist Church. He served in the United States Air Force from 1950-1954. Jerry graduated with honors from the University of Houston as a Mechanical Engineer. His career took him to many areas of the world including Central and South America, Alaska, Canada, Sumatra, Java, Indian Ocean, South China Sea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and USA. Jerry served 8 years as chairman of the Cherokee County Republican Party. He was a past member of Rusk Kiwanis Club serving three terms as President and also served as Lt. Gov. for Div. 26 Kiwanis Club. He was a member of American Legion Post 393 and served four times as the Commander of the Post. He was named Rusk Citizen of the Year 2003. Jerry had many hobbies that included fishing, duck hunting, traveling and he also participated in International Ocean Racing. He was also preceded in death in addition to his parents, by his brother Bo Rix, son Jerry Rix, Jr. and wife Loretta Crow Rix. He is survived by his wife Louise Rix, sons- Jim & Ela Rix, Andy Rix, Jim & Nicky Crow. Daughters- Suzanne Rix and Mary Rix, stepdaughters- Debbie & Robert Walley and Carole and Andy Levine. Grandchildren- John Sheridan, Stephen Sheridan, Bill Rix, Hope Crow and Grady Crow and three great grandchildren. Pall bearers- Jeremy West, Josh West, Jake West, Garrett Davis, Grant Davis, Creager Davis. Honorary Pall Bearers- Gerald West, Greg Neely, Tom Ball, George Covington, Tommy Jones, Elvin Peacock, Robert Walley, John Hugghins If so desired, memorials may be made to The Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd. , Tyler, TX 75701