Jerry Millsapps

Jerry Millsapps, of Rancho Viejo, Texas, entered eternal rest September 4, 2023.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Myra, his children:  Jerry, Jr. (Rose), Lisa Nicholas, Lori Castro (Elias, Jr.), Amber Millsapps; a brother, Michael Millsapps; and seven grandchildren.

Born in Concord, North Carolina, to Woodrow and Myrtle Millsapps, he graduated from Winecoff High School, where he played tackle for the Blue Devils his junior and senior year.  The caption below his senior picture in the yearbook reads,” He brings sunshine to others; he’s sunshine himself.”

He came to Texas, via Bergstrom Air Force Base, posted to the Cryptographic section.  Upon leaving the Air Force, he worked in men’s furnishings for Scarbrough’s Department Store and for the University of Texas Registrar's Office as an IBM machine operator, while completing a degree in Elementary Education at Southwest Texas College.

Obtaining a position with Travis County Adult Probation, Jerry was an integral part of the development of misdemeanor probation in Travis County.  Starting as a probation officer, making home visits in his Volkswagen bus, he advanced to Director, retiring after 30 years of “teaching people how to stay out of jail”.  In the meantime, he completed a Master of Arts degree in Sociology at Sam Houston State University, earning membership in the Alpha Kappa Delta Honorary Society.

Known as “Granpa Choo-Choo” for his pursuit of model railroading, his best times were spent outdoors:  on the golf course, always striving to “shoot his age”; playing doubles tennis; jogging on Austin’s Lady Bird Lake trail; and participating in various marathons in and around Central Texas.  He appreciated all forms of music but especially, in a fine tenor voice, enjoyed singing along with Waylon and Willie.  A mild-mannered man and possessed of a dry wit, he seldom spoke unless he had something to say.  His friends were few, but treasured and lifelong.  He loved his family and they loved him right back.

For their professionalism and compassionate care, the family wishes to thank all the staff at Amedysis Hospice and at Valley View Senior Living.

Memorials may be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, 34 Washington St., Suite 310, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481 or the food bank of choice.

A private family celebration of life will be held at a future date.