Jerald ‘Jerry’ Ray Posey

(May 12, 1941 - May 13, 2012)

Jerald “Jerry” Ray Posey, 71, died suddenly May 13, 2012, one day after celebrating his 71st birthday.

Jerry was born May 12, 1941 in Isabella, Okla., to George and Virginia Posey. He left shortly after graduating from Okeene High School in 1958 with his best friend, Verlin Greb.

After leaving Oklahoma, Jerry worked for the Gyp Plant in Gerlach, Nev., and in Cody. He then joined and served with the Wyoming National Guard.

He was also heavily involved in car racing at this time in his life.

Jerry met and married the love of his life, Patricia Ann Herman, in Cody. Jerry and Patricia raised two children together, twins, Kenneth Ray and Kimberly Ann, who were born April 1969. During this time, Jerry worked as the Computer Operations Manager for Husky Oil.

Jerry then purchased his own business, JR’s Fashions for Men, which he bought in 1985 for his wife Patricia. Unfortunately, two years after the opening of JR’s, Jerry lost Patricia to cancer. He maintained the store for the next 25 years with his brother-in-law, Jim Herman.

He remarried Jamie Hodson March 6, 1993 with whom he enjoyed traveling to many Elks conventions just as he and Pat did. Holding many positions in the Elks Lodge, such as past exalted ruler, past special deputy, past state president, special deputy to grand exalted ruler, Elk of the year, Cody and Wyoming. He currently was secretary of the Cody Lodge as he had been for many years and was the auditing and accounting officer for the Grand Lodge.

Jerry also was an avid bowler and a member of the Cody Bowling Associations Hall of Fame. He held multiple league and association offices and currently was the manager of the Cody Bowling Association. One of Jerry’s fondest moments was when he bowled his 300 game. Jerry also was a well-known coach for youth bowling where he coached all of his grandchildren.

Jerry was involved in baseball as a coach, aiding in two Babe Ruth state championships, and also watched his son, Ken, develop a love for the game. Jerry’s love for coaching took him, his team and their families to the national tournament in Aberdeen, Wash., all on a bus that Jerry lined out.

Jerry had an unquenchable love for sports. He loved to watch the Dodgers, Rockies, Lakers and NASCAR; and you would be hard pressed to find a greater fan of the Denver Broncos and Oklahoma Sooners. Jerry also loved to watch his grandsons on the baseball field, his granddaughter on the softball field and all on the lanes when bowling.

His family was his life, and you hardly ever saw him without them throughout the numerous times he went camping, fishing, to bowling tournaments and Elks conventions.

Jerry took pride in everything he did and was thought of as a hero to many. He will be sorely missed, as he was a selfless servant to many individuals and organizations in the Cody community.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Jamie Posey; son Ken (Tara) Posey; daughter Kim (Jim) Heath; brother, Jim (Janice) Posey of Plainview, Texas; stepsons Jason and Justin (Kywani) Heath; and grandchildren Skyler Posey, Kyndal McAnulty, Tristan, Carson, Kolten, Jaron, Phoenix and Takota Heath.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 24 years, Patricia Posey; son, Baby Boy Posey; his parents George and Virginia; brothers, Everett, Earl and Ronnie; and grandson, Austin Heath.

The family will distribute all donations to the Cody Baseball program and asks that they be sent to 1307 Meadow Lane, Cody, WY.

Funeral services will be held at Cody United Methodist Church on Monday, May 21 with viewing at 10 a.m. and services to follow at 11 a.m., with Rev. Dr. Randy Leisey officiating with burial at Riverside Cemetery. Honors will be presented by the Elks Lodge and also the VFW Honor Guard. Luncheon to follow graveside services at Cody Elks Lodge. An online guestbook is available at www.ballardfh.com.