Jerry Doward Burney

Jerry Burney, 79, of Mabank, Texas, passed away peacefully to the presence of his Lord on March 19, 2021. He was born September 30, 1941, in Corpus Christi, Texas, and dedicated his life to serving Jesus Christ by becoming a devoted husband, father, and ministering to anyone in need.

In 1965, Jerry served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Korea. At the end of his tour he returned home to marry Nelda Ruth Bennett on June 30, 1967, and had son Brett in 1971, and daughter Lauren in 1973. All three survive Jerry along with 5 grandchildren: Ben, Bo, Tessa, Ella, and Nolan.

Most of Jerry’s career was spent working in newspaper shops around Texas, including the Corpus Christi Caller Times. In 1978, the Burney family was appointed as missionaries to Ghana, West Africa where they lived and served for 6 years. Jerry was responsible for publishing evangelical literature used in churches throughout Ghana as well as starting new congregations and leading worship services.

After the family returned to the United States in 1985, Jerry ran a local print shop in Mabank and worked for several local newspapers around Dallas and East Texas. He retired in 2008 after more than 15 years in sales for Eagle Metal Products to spend cherished time with his family and grandchildren.

Jerry stayed zealously active in local churches preaching, teaching Sunday school, leading music, serving on committees, and generally ministering to anyone in the community that could use a helping hand and a willing ear.

No memorial service is currently scheduled, but details will be posted on www.jerryandnelda50.com when one is scheduled (and where you can share your memories). Because Jerry was so passionate about helping others, the family has requested that any donations be made in Jerry’s name to the First Baptist Church of Mabank benevolence fund (P. O. Box 283, Mabank, TX 75147, 903-887-3921 www.fbcmabank.com).