Jerry Ross "Coach" Speer, 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on November 2, 2024. Jerry was born December 22, 1936 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Ross and Pauline Speer. He was raised in Seminole County Oklahoma and graduated from Bowlegs High School in 1954. Jerry was an all-district, all-conference, all-state football player. He attended the University of the Ozarks from 1954-1956, where he played football and boxed. Jerry served in the United States Army from 1958-1960.  While serving in the U.S. Army at Fort Knox, Ky, he met his future wife, Mary Carl Hubbuch. They were married May 25, 1961.  He graduated from Central State University, Edmond, Oklahoma in 1962 and earned his Master's degree in Education Administration from the University of Houston-Clear Lake in 1980.

Jerry started his teaching and coaching career at Mt. Carmel High School, from 1964-1977. He taught biology, math, and was the Dean of Boys, as well as coaching football and track. At Mt. Carmel, Jerry made life long friends with the coaches, teachers, clergy and students. He taught and coached football at Pasadena High School from 1977-1981. In 1982, Jerry became an Assistant Principal at J. Frank Dobie High school - a position he would hold for four years. Jerry was appointed as Principal of Dobie High School in 1986 and remained in that position until his retirement in 2000. Upon retirement he was elected to the Pasadena I.S.D School Board, where he served for 14 years.

Jerry had a great love for God and his family. He served for many years as a lecturer at both Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Houston, Tx and St. Frances Cabrini Church in Pasadena, Tx. His 87 years were filled with many adventures; white water rafting, sky diving, long motorcycle rides on his Honda Gold Wing, traveling around the United States visiting various Civil War battle fields, and all things concerning history. Jerry loved to take wild life pictures, sit by the waters edge on the beach, and lounge in his jeep with his beloved dog Emmy at Ellington Field. He was a Sudoku enthusiast, avid reader and read his bible regularly. Jerry spent countless hours with his Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren at sporting events, concerts, school plays, babysitting, and taking them on many adventurous rides in his red jeep.

Jerry is proceeded in death by his parents, sister Patty Jean Pearson and son in law Bryan Neskora. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Carl Speer, his 4 daughters; Judith McKenna, Rebecca Schaulin and husband Brian, Ruth Speer, and Mary T. Neskora. He also leaves behind, 9 Grandchildren; Sarah McCollum, Kathryn McKenna, Ross Neskora, Danielle "Dixie" Neskora, Pierce Neskora, Brice Schaulin, Preston Schaulin, Zane West, and Garrett West. 5 Great Grandchildren; Gwendalynn Fay Alvarado, Alesis Torres, Schuyler McCollum, James Ross McCollum and Claire Neskora, son in law Brian Schaulin, Grandson in laws, Darren McCollum, Athie Torres and Misael Alvarado, Granddaughter in law Brooke Neskora, niece Cynthia Pearson Dunn and husband Kevin.

His love for his "Gal in Green", Mary Carl, of 64 years will live on forever.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 from 4p.m. - 8p.m. Rosary 6p.m. at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 8706 Almeda Genoa Rd. Houston, Texas 77075.

Funeral Mass at 10a.m. on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 10727 Hartsook St. Houston, Texas 77034

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church.

Interment to follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 8601 Almeda Genoa Rd. Houston, Texas 77075.