Jerry Raz

Jerry Raz, 85, of Wise Community passed away on June 27, 2019 at home.  He was born on October 23, 1933 in Wise Community to the home of Edward James and Barbara  Marie Raz.

He grew up in Wise Community, and graduated from Mabank High School in 1952.  He served stateside in the United States Navy from 1953 to 1957 during the Korean War.

He married Patsy Ann Dunn on August 20, 1954 at the Four Mile Lutheran Church in Prairieville, Texas.  Theirs was the first recorded marriage for the church.

After his discharge from the Navy, he and Patsy relocated to Garland, Texas to raise their two children.  He became a member of the Dallas Police Department in 1958, and retired as a Corporal in 1983 after 25 years of service.  He was a member of the Dallas Police Association.

He relocated to a part of “the old home place” in Wise Community.  He filled his time doing handy work for others, attending every garage/yard sale he could find, hunting, fishing, raising cows and calves, spoiling dogs, and working on fences.

He also kept in shape by attending polka dances in Ennis, Texas — mainly the National Polka Festival in May of each year for 52 years straight missing only 2019.  His favorite polka band was the Vrazel’s from Buckholts, Texas.

He is survived by his wife Patsy; his son Anthony “Tony;” daughter Tina; Grandchildren Robert, Timothy, Tasha; Great grandchildren Jordyn, Morgan, Robert, Jodie, Tiffany, James, Sandy, and Jerry.  He is also survived by his sister Frances Harris.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward James and Barbara Marie; brothers Joseph and Anthony “Big Tony;” sisters Bobbie and Nancy.

Jonathan Haygood will be officiating for the Raz family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please donate to your local first responders.