Gerald “Jerry” Dean Hanley, 83, passed away in his sleep on April 27, 2026, in Centerville, Texas. He was born on September 16, 1942, in Woodland, Washington, to Woodrow W. Hanley and Lorene Froom Loomis.

Jerry spent his early years in Oregon and Colorado before eventually calling Portland, Oregon, home. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy for twenty-three years, specializing in coding and decoding communications. Through dedication and skill, he rose to the rank of Cryptologic Technician Chief Petty Officer before retiring from military service.

While stationed in Washington, D.C., Jerry met the love of his life, Sherry Jo Hester. They were married on July 3, 1969, in Arlington, Virginia, and shared fifty-seven years together. During his Navy career, Jerry and Sherry experienced life around the world, living in Gaeta, Italy; Oahu, Hawaii; Charleston, South Carolina; and Rota, Spain, before his final duty station in Jacksonville, Florida. Following his retirement, they settled in Buffalo, Texas.

In retirement, Jerry took great pride in building the family home with his own hands. He later worked for the United States Postal Service. Above all, he was devoted to his family. In his later years, he could be found cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events—volleyball, football, basketball, and baseball—always dressed for the occasion in the appropriate shirt and cap. He also made it a priority to fly to California at least twice a year to spend weeks at a time with his West Coast grandchildren, fully embracing his role as “Grandpa.”

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Sherry Hanley; his three children, Dean A. Hanley, Jill K. Hanley Davis, and Leah M. Hanley Pruitt; and his six grandchildren, Adrien Hanley, Morgane Hanley, Axel Hanley, Gavin Pruitt, Ellie Pruitt, and Nathan Pruitt.

Though his final months were difficult, Jerry’s smile and deep love for his family never faded.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

“Rest in peace, my love. I’ll see you soon.” – Sherry

A time of visitation and fellowship for Jerry will take place from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M., Monday, May 4, 2026, at Walters' Buffalo Funeral Home, Buffalo, Texas.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Walters' Buffalo Funeral Home, Buffalo, Texas -- A Walters Family Funeral Home.