Jerry and I both lived on 15th street in Corpus Christi, unknowingly, about 3 blocks apart. One day around the mid 50s, it was raining hard and this woman and a boy ran up on our front porch for protection. We did not know each other, but turned out, it was Jerry and his grandmother who were walking home, and needed to find shelter. That is when our friendship started.

Jerry and I shared rides later to high school, double-dated, and did many things together at Morgan Avenue Baptist Church. Ah, the ping pong games, Sweetheart banquets, summer camps, and the softball team where Jerry played third base and I tried to pitch. Johnny Powell and Eddie Bradley were there, too.

Of course, I knew Nelda way before that because we are first cousins, and I spent lot of time at their home, and they, at ours, and we attended the same church.

Jerry was my Best Man, but I could not make his wedding due to dental school. Jerry and I worked at the Caller Times newspaper, but he was there longer and gained lot of experience which was valuable in his later career. We visited each other mainly at family reunions and it is always a pleasure to see them both.

I still try to help Nelda with her "42" game. Yeah, right!

For someone who was reared in a broken home, he had a loving mother and grandparents who guided him in the way he should go. Jerry and Nelda are truly a compassionate husband and wife, father and mother, and grandparents. They are splendid witnesses and examples to their Christian faith. They don't sit on the side lines, but actively participate in their beliefs.

We are proud to call and know them as our friends and cousins. And, to top it off, Jerry and Nelda are blessed with a marvelous family!

Congratulations on your 50th, a great accomplishment in this day and age.

Our Love and Respect to you and yours, Jimmy and Carolyn