Jerry Gilbert McCracken, age 88, of Kingwood, Texas, passed away in his home on November 17, 2023.

Jerry was born in Cleveland, Tennessee on September 9, 1935. He graduated from City High School in Chattanooga, TN, in 1953. Following his high school graduation, he moved to Knoxville where he attended the University of Tennessee as an Economics major. While at UT, Jerry became a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, where he made a number of lifelong friends.

Jerry eventually moved home to Chattanooga so that he could work full time and attend night school at the University of Chattanooga. In 1960, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and after completing his active-duty assignment, he was released to the U.S. Army Reserves for a 5-year term, during which he worked and completed his college degree. He graduated from the University of Tennessee system with a degree in Economics.

Jerry started his career at Shell Oil Company in 1963 in Atlanta, Georgia. His career at Shell spanned nearly 30 years and he held various positions in New Orleans, Louisiana; Southern California; and Houston Texas. In 1991, he retired from his position at Shell as Manager of Property Tax Accounting, Western Tax Region.

After retiring from Shell, Jerry continued to work as a property tax consultant and spent much of his free time playing golf and enjoying college sports. He remained a loyal Tennessee Vols fan and would faithfully sport his orange and white UT attire on gamedays. Jerry also had a great love of music, after spending years singing in church and school choirs and playing the guitar. Jerry thoroughly enjoyed time with friends and family, including potluck dinners with the gourmet dining group and relaxing at 'the Barn' during family gatherings with his in-laws and family.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Frances and Ben McCracken. Jerry is survived by his devoted wife, Linda; his daughters, Jill McCracken (Tony Hursey), Bonnie McCracken (Tom Galbraith), Travis Murphy (Amy), Rachel McCracken, and grandchildren Jackson, Elise, and Chloe. He is also survived by his younger brother, David Lee McCracken (Debbie), nephews David and Trampas (Jonna), and grand-nephews Trey (Kayla) and James.

A Memorial Service for Jerry will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 3 p.m. at the Strawbridge United Methodist Church in Kingwood, Texas. There will be a Celebration of Life immediately following the service at the Back Pew Brewing Company in Porter, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the University of Tennessee in Jerry's honor at giving.utk.edu (select "Support Vols Today"). Service Information A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at Strawbridge United Methodist Church, 5629 Kingwood, TX 77345. Funeral Service Saturday 09 Dec 3:00 pm ~ Strawbridge United Methodist Church 5629 Kingwood Dr., Kingwood, TX 77345