Jerry Ray Harding, Sr., loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away on March 26, 2026. Jerry was born in Houston, Texas on September 8, 1933 to Mary Oznola Moore and Guy D. Harding. He grew up in the Houston area and attended Milby High School. He married Dolores Harding on August 8, 1951. They were married 54 years until she passed in 2005. They had four children, Katherine, Jerry Jr., David, and James. He was an electrician by trade and retired from IBEW Local 716. He then worked 10 years and retired from TDC in Huntsville. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge for 70 years and a Shriner.

Jerry and Dolores moved to Huntsville in 1980 to enjoy country living and making many wonderful longtime friends. He enjoyed hunting, porch swings, riding on his tractor and spending time with his family. He loved his family unconditionally and looked forward to family gatherings full of good food, poker games, love and laughter.  Lovingly known as "Dad" and "Papaw," he loved to tease and joke with the ones he loved the most. His storytelling ability was almost as great as his love for his family.

Jerry, Sr. is preceded in death by his loving wife, Dolores, son David Harding. Also, his sister Audrey Miller and husband Howard and brothers Lewis (Sonny)Harding and wife Helen and Billy Harding and wife Dorothy and their son Glen Harding. He is survived by his daughter Kathy Pavlik, his son Jerry and his wife Nancy, and his son James and his wife Charlotte. He was a loving Papaw to Greg Pavlik and his wife Stacy, Amy Nance and her husband Shane, Kristy Weintraub and her husband Nick, Mindy, Shelby, and Garrett Harding. He cherished his great grandchildren, Katelyn and John Kroesch, Kylie Nance, Ryan and Allison Pavlik, Cole and Luke Weintraub.  He also adored his great great grandchildren, Kinley and Karter Kroesch. His surviving family also includes his beloved cousins Mildred Porter, Gary and Joyce Harding, and Maurice Harding. He was also "Uncle Jerry" to his nieces and nephews Trisha and Pat Smith, Danny Harding, Kay Luedecke, Judy and Tommy Hansen, Pat and Tracy Miller, Mike and Barbie Miller, Kenneth and Cindy Harding and all of their families.

The family would like to express their gratitude to his longtime physician Dr. Walter Toronjo, the staff of Creekside Nursing Home and Benchmark Hospice for their care.

In lieu of flowers a memorial contribution may be made to CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for children in the foster system). CASA of Walker County, 2515 Pine Shadow Dr. Huntsville, TX 77320 or online at CASA Everyday Giving

Services will be held Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at Northside Baptist Church, 1207 FM 980 Huntsville, TX. Service will be at 11:00 am. Lunch will follow after service. Interment will then follow at Bath Cemetery for those wishing to attend. Services are under the direction of Heritage Oak Funeral Home.