TSgt Raymond T. Jerralds

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and dear friend, Raymond Thedor Jerralds, entered eternal rest on December 30, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. He was 88 years of age. Raymond was born in Pensacola, FL on October 15, 1936 to the late parents: Clarence and Beatrice Jerralds.

Raymond met and married the true love of his life, Celestine Wiggins, in 1957. They shared a beautiful union of 67 years together until he joined our Lord and Savior. The love and passion they shared for one another stood the test of time. Their ability to travel the globe together, raise two amazing sons, walk together in faith, and comfort each other until the very end was not only a blessing, but a true example of their character together and legacy he leaves behind. He was overall an amazing man, devoted husband, and active father.

On a personal note, Raymond would always look forward to a competitive game of bowling, or playing musical instruments such as saxophone, clarinet and keyboard, as music was his true gift and passion. He studied music at a very early age, and then perfected his skills while playing in his high school’s infamous marching band. Raymond was a sought-after local musician who often played alongside a few famous music artists such as, James Brown and Ray Charles.

Raymond accepted Jesus Christ at a young age and etched His teachings and wisdom into his DNA. He was an active and engaged member of St. Paul Baptist Church for nearly 50 years, holding leadership positions such as, President of the Usher Board, Musician, and Church Treasurer until January 2024. He was a sought-after musician who frequently played spiritual solos on his saxophone during church events and funerals, across the nation.

Aside from his family life, Raymond was also very intelligent, an extremely hard worker and accomplished professional. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force, represented our country in the Vietnam war, and then retired with military honors after 22 years of dedicated service. He later continued in the workforce as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service, achieving his second retirement after 20 additional years of service. He was not only an amazing provider, but an educator, caregiver, problem solving codebreaker, negotiator, mentor, and businessman.

Raymond’s physical absence is deeply felt, and his presence will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on!

Raymond was greeted in heaven by his parents, Clarence and Beatrice, brother, Norman, and sister, Regina.

He leaves to cherish in his memory, his beloved wife, Celestine Ruth Jerralds, children: Gregory Jerralds (wife Linda), Steven Jerralds (wife LaBrandy), grandchildren: Gregory (GT), Lauren, Preston, Rafael, Cesselley, Austin, Shad, Quinteriya, and Quintez, great grandchildren, Preston III, Kaiden, Ryan and Melani, brothers: Oswald Jerralds (wife Lillie) and John Jerralds (wife Viola); and numerous other close relatives and friends.