Jerry Glynn Williams

Jerry Glynn Williams passed away on April 18, 2025, at the age of 81. He was a lifelong educator, musician, and artist who will be missed beyond measure.

A service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22nd at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount Blvd., Amarillo, Texas. Arrangements are made by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors of Amarillo, Texas.

Jerry was born on May 18, 1943, in Memphis, TX, to Elbert “Ebb” and Anna Lee Williams. As a child, he moved often due to his father’s work, with stops in Dumas, Amarillo, and eventually Panhandle, TX, where he graduated high school and excelled athletically, playing center on the football team and throwing the discus in track. He once joked about the hardship he endured in 4th grade of being forced to leave not one, but two girlfriends behind during a move to Amarillo—a small glimpse into the humor that made him so beloved.

Jerry adored his siblings. As the younger brother to Troy and Gene Williams, he endured his fair share of mischief but cherished the closeness they all shared. He spoke often—and with great affection—of his baby sisters, Patricia and Janie, and loved to recall the fun and laughter they found, even in difficult times. Family was important. When his parents temporarily relocated to Colorado, Jerry even lived with his brother Troy and sister-in-law Betty until he was ready to strike out on his own, strengthening bonds that lasted a lifetime.

After high school, Jerry married and started a family while simultaneously pursuing his passion for education. He earned his Master’s degree in Education from West Texas State University (WT), launching a career that would span decades and touch countless lives.

Jerry began his teaching career in Dumas, TX. He soon welcomed two sons—Jerry Don (JD) in 1967 and Jeff in 1972. In the mid-1970s, he became the high school principal in Booker, TX, and later returned to Amarillo to teach at Palo Duro High School, where he would go on to serve as Assistant Principal. Other administrative roles included Superintendent of Hartley ISD, and Principal of Pilot Point High School and Calvert High School. Wherever he went, Jerry brought a love for students, a belief in potential, and a pride in public education that never faded.

Jerry married his love and best friend, Jeanne, on August 29, 1993, in Lubbock, TX. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and shared purpose.

Later in life, Jerry continued to teach—this time in the Texas prison system near College Station. His impact was so profound that he was named Teacher of the Year across the entire Texas prison system.

He taught in the Waco ISD where he was recognized for 50 years of being an educator.

After retiring, Jerry and Jeanne returned to Amarillo to be closer to family. He treasured every moment with his grandchildren and took joy in simply being present in their lives.

Jerry’s creativity was truly boundless. A gifted musician, he played guitar and bass in several bands throughout his life and was once offered a spot touring with Buddy Knox after the hit “Party Doll”—an offer he declined to prioritize his growing family. He could play nearly any Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, or Merle Haggard song you could name. He knew all kinds of slow songs, but Jerry liked to boogie!

He was a sculptor and made fine art bronzes. He was a painter and loved painting flowers. Which is appropriate, because if you came to visit his house, the first 30–45 minutes would always be spent taking a tour around his property to see all of the flowers, paths, and projects he was working on. More than anything, he loved creating. It didn’t matter the medium.

Jerry’s creative spirit left a lasting legacy. He was the first in his family to attend college and the first to learn guitar—both of which have echoed through generations. Every one of his children and grandchildren has followed in those footsteps, learning and creating in their own unique ways.

Most importantly, Jerry and his beloved wife, Jeanne, cultivated strong roots in their church family, no matter where life took them—from South Texas to Amarillo.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Elbert “Ebb” and Anna Lee Williams; his brother and sister-in-law, Troy and Betty Williams; and his grandson, Jude Christian Williams.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Jeanne Williams; his sons JD Williams (Shannon) and Jeff Williams (Megan), both of Amarillo; and his stepsons Barry Rampy (Malinda) of Canyon, TX, Brian Rampy (Kristy), and Brent Rampy (Jessica) of Lubbock, TX. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Justin, Jake, and Jocelyn Williams; and Lauren, Savannah, Emily, Faith, James, Dane, Jada, Bo, Jack, and Lola Rampy. He leaves behind his brother Gene Williams (Dianna), sisters Patricia Sanderson (JB) and Janie Jones, and a loving circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Jerry’s life was a shining example of how love, creativity, and hard work can shape lives and leave a lasting legacy. His spirit lives on in the students he guided, the music he shared, and the art he so passionately created.