Jerry Lee Sandefur, 78, of Bonham, Texas, formerly of Shelbyville, passed away Wednesday, May 11, 2016, at Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center in Bonham.
A 1955 graduate of Shelbyville High School, Jerry served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1955 through 1959.
He loved writing poetry and short stories. Jerry was honored as a Distinguished Member of the International Society of Poets and received the Outstanding Achievement Award.
Jerry is survived by his three sons: Brian Lee Sandefur of Gilbert, Arizona; Brad Allen Sandefur and wife, Yvette, of Seattle, Washington; and Scott David Sandefur of Lewisville, Texas; sister, Peggy Sandefur Guilford of Florida; and grandchildren, Jake Sandefur and Reilly Sandefur.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Jack Allen Sandefur.
A memorial service honoring his life will be at the VA Chapel at a future date. Jerry will lie in state at Wise Funeral Home in Bonham, Texas, Monday, May 16 through Wednesday, May 18.
A visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, May 23, 2016, at Murphy-Parks Funeral Services, 709 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.
Graveside services with military honors will follow at 11 a.m. Monday at Whispering Hope Memorial Gardens in Shelbyville.
