James Myrl Kerry

James Myrl Kerry went home, April 25, 2016. He passed away in in the hospital, surrounded by his family. In 1924 Myrl was born in rural Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana to Silva Kerry and Jane Bynog. He grew up in now-day Kistachie Forest with his 6 brothers: Esmay, Narcise, Oliver, Isaiah, Joseph, and Ivy. He loved to hunt and play cards with his brothers. In 1954 he met and married the love of his life, Goldie. Together they made a home with their 5 children. They were longtime residents of Lancaster, TX, but they spent a great deal of time traveling. Myrl worked for Railroad Maintenance and constructed track all-over the south. Myrl loved to drive! Goldie was his constant traveling companion, but he also loved to take others. His children and their spouses visited everywhere with him. He was known to take his grandchildren or nephews on spontaneous road trips- sometimes without their parent’s knowledge. Long before the internet, he could give travelers step by step directions to destinations and reviews on where to eat along the way. After his wife passed in 1992, Myrl lived in Derry, LA, but for the last several years has resided with his son and daughter-in-law, Larry & Peggy Davis in Dallas. Myrl leaves a legacy of family. He is “Uncle Myrl” to most of Derry and “Papaw” to 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren. He is known as “Dad” by his one living son, Larry Davis; two daughters-in-law, Peggy Davis and Lois Davis; and son-in-law, Roy Maxey. He is proceeded in death by his wife, Goldie Mae Redd Kerry; his children Tommy Davis, Brenda Maxey, Gary Davis, and Chereal Stewart; a granddaughter, Rene Maxey; a son-in-law, John Stewart; all his brothers; and both parents. A short visitation will be held, Wednesday at Byrum Funeral Home in Lancaster, TX from 5 to 8 p.m. On Thursday, Myrl will make is final road trip to Louisiana. There will be a wake at the Emmanuel Church hall that night, and the funeral service will be Friday at 11 am at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Chopin, LA. His remains will then be laid to rest besides those of his wife in Emanuel Cemetery.

James Myrl Kerry

September 12, 1924 - April 25, 2016