Roll Call Tribute

Gerald Ray Donaldson, COL USA (Ret) 

February 10, 1942 - July 4, 2024 

Gerald Ray Donaldson, 82, of Burr, Tx passed away on Thursday, July 4, 2024, at The Parc at Traditions in Bryan, TX. He was born on February 10, 1942, in McAlester, Oklahoma to the late Elzie and Annie Marie Elms Donaldson.

Gerald moved to Texas at the age of 12 and graduated from Boling High School with the Class of 1960. He later attended and graduated from Texas A&M University where he obtained his bachelors degree in agriculture education in 1964. While at A&M, he was a member of the Corp of Cadets, Ross Volunteers and a Corps Bugler. Following graduation, he was commissioned as a United States Army Armor Officer and served two years of active service followed by 24 years in the reserves, retiring with the rank of Colonel. He was a recipient of several medals and commendations, including the Legion of Merit medal, Meritorious Service Ribbon, Army Commendation Ribbon, National Defense Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserves Ribbon, Army Reserves Components Achievement Ribbon, and the Army Service Ribbon.

He married Billie Jean Veazey on January 15, 1965, and moved to Ft. Bliss, El Paso Tx. in 1967 they moved to Boling, TX and joined the family Farming business. Billie Jean preceded him in death on November 28, 2021. Gerald was very active in his community and church, serving as Elder at Abell Street Church of Christ for many years, He was on the WCJC Board of Trustees, the WCJC Soils Laboratory Advisory Committee, the Army Reserves Officers Association, National Corn Growers Association Board, the Lone Star Corn Growers Association, the Texas Farm Bureau, Boling Lions Club, serving as President, Concerned Citizens of Pollution, serving as President, Hungerford Grain Company, serving as President, and the Texas Corn Producers Board, serving as Vice Chairman.

Gerald is survived by his daughter, Lilya Davidson and husband, Phillip of Mt. Juliet, TN, son, John Donaldson of College Station, sisters, Patty Savage and husband, Jerry of Friendswood, and Vicky Fleisher and husband, Harvey of Houston, grandchildren, Madison Edwards of Bentonville, AR, Lauren Edwards of Dallas, Melody Donaldson of College Station, Olivia Donaldson of College Station, and Karis Donaldson of College Station.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 12, 2024, from 6-8 pm at the chapel of Wharton Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 10 am at Wharton Funeral Home with Ralph Brant officiating. Serving as pall bearers will be Allen Dale Ferrell, Henry Baade, Sherrell Speer, Ace LeBouf, John Casper, Dale Brown, Aristeo DeLosSantos, Bill Rogers, Harry Goudeau, Hugh Schwanecke and Ron Osterhout. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.

Funeral services are under the direct supervision of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at whartonfuneralhome.com