Jerry Donald Rudd, 66, of Center passed away Saturday May 9, 2015 in Nacogdoches.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday, May 11, 2015 at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel with Center Church of Christ minister Tim Perkins officiating and Rodney Golden leading congregational singing. Interment will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.

Jerry was born in the sand hills of South Jericho, Texas in 1948 to Pershing and Alene Cook Rudd. He lived in Center, Texas most of his life and was a loyal employee of Tyson Foods for more than 30 years in their hatchery and food processing facilities.

Jerry was a diligent and hard worker, earning him the nickname “Speedy." He was a devoted Christian and a faithful member of Center Church of Christ. He loved his church family and the Holy Scriptures, studying the bible weekly. He was a familiar face in the Center, Texas community serving as Chaplain of the Capt. Jesse Amason Camp #282 Sons of Confederate Veterans.

Jerry, a devoted father and doting grandfather, especially loved spending time with his family and friends, where he was known for his big bear hugs. He married Flora Coyle and was the proud father of two daughters and grandfather to three grandchildren. Jerry possessed boundless energy, an indomitable spirit and an ever optimistic outlook on life. He will be dearly missed.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and brother Frank Davis Rudd. He is survived by his wife, two daughters Donna Rudd Anderson and husband David and Dana Rudd Richardson and husband Paul and three grandchildren Christina Patterson, Emily Richardson and Kathryn Anderson.

William Rudd, Barry Rudd, Matthew Rudd, Carl Rudd, Ray Smiley, David Anderson, Gene Bradshaw and Rodney Golden will serve as pall bearers.

Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com