Edwin Gerald “Gerry” Cordts, Jr.

August 16, 1947 - February 6, 2023

Edwin Gerald “Gerry” Cordts, Jr., 75, of Beaumont, died Monday, February 6, 2023. He was born August 16, 1947, in Beaumont to DiVernon McFaddin Cordts and Edwin Gerald Cordts, Sr.

Gerry attended Averill Elementary School, Dick Dowling Junior High School, Beaumont High School, and received a B.B.A. from Lamar University. He was managing partner of SHP Management, Mashed O Minerals, LP., Valentine Pasture Co., LLC, Camelia Corridor, LLC and a real estate developer, owner of Outdoor Outfitters and Shooters Supply.

Gerry was an avid sportsman from the beginning of his Beaumont childhood.  He grew up hunting and fishing with his dad Pete where his love for the marshes of Southeast Texas and the great outdoors began.  Gerry loved all things guns, ducks, dogs, hunting, fishing, oil and gas, and nature.  As a teen he began competing in skeet shooting winning many national titles as well as being the Junior Olympic Gold Medalist in Skeet Shooting in 1964. His mother tried to get him into society events, but Gerry always preferred to sneak away and enjoy a quiet moment outdoors.

Gerry was an expert in the history and knowledge of firearms.  He passed on this knowledge mentoring many young people he employed at his stores and the customers who enjoyed to just visit for a wise word.  Gerry was a quiet observer who created memories for many with his hunting trips, fishing at the beach, hanging out at the family beach house, and the local pond he stocked.  He loved to share this with his children and grandchildren, teaching them to shoot, fish, crab, and enjoy the outdoors. His love of the outdoors was only overshadowed by the great love he had for his wife of 54 years, Grace Cordts, and the family they created together.  He took great pride in providing for his family, ensuring equality and security in everything he did.  While he was a man of few words, he always had a smile and a handshake for everyone he came across, and will be remembered for his caring demeanor, kindness, and generosity to all who knew him.

Gerry was a lifetime member of Ducks Unlimited, Coastal Conservation Association, and National Rifle Association. He also belonged to One in One Hundred Gun Club, Texas Gun Collectors Association, Port Arthur Retriever Club, and Browning Collectors’ Club.  As the great grandson of William Perry Herring McFaddin, he was honored to serve on the Board of Directors for the Mamie McFaddin Ward Foundation.

Gerry is survived by his wife, Grace Naquin Cordts of Beaumont; daughter, Colleen Cordts Rice and her husband, Robert Lawrence Rice V, of Montgomery; daughter Anna Cordts Edwardson and her husband, Eric Paul Edwardson, of Beaumont; grandchildren, Katherine Grace Rice, of Houston; Robert Lawrence Rice VI, of Montgomery; Edwin Gerald Rice of Montgomery; Patrick Naquin Rice of Montgomery; William Cordts Edwardson of Beaumont; and Ava DiAnna Edwardson of Beaumont.

A gathering of Gerry’s family and friends will be from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., Friday, February 10, 2023, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.  A graveside service will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 11, 2023, at Magnolia Cemetery, 2291 Pine Street, Beaumont.

Video

Download Program

Gathering of Family and Friends

Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
  • 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
  • February 10, 2023
  • 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Graveside Service

Magnolia Cemetery
  • 2291, Pine St, Beaumont, TX, 77703,
  • February 11, 2023
  • 2:00 pm

Comments (40)

    Mickey Phelan, III says:

    Dear Cordts Family, I first met Gerry in his Outdoor Outfitter and he was instantly a friend. His quick wit and ability to share his knowledge was inexhaustible. As luck would have it, I had the privilege of continuing our friendship into the business world through Gerry’s oil and gas holdings and I was blessed to have Gerry’s personality extend into his business dealing “what a Treasure”. I’m sorry was not in Beaumont to celebrate Gerry’s Life with all of you but Gerry and all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.. Sincerely, Mickey

    Jean Rooney says:

    Grace and family I’m so sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing, praying for God’s strength and courage in the day’s ahead.

    Wayne Brown says:

    May the peace of The Lord be with Gerry Grace and the family. I enjoyed our days hunting in the marsh and at the ranch West of Fort Worth over 50 years ago.
    Great memories
    Wayne Brown

    Jessica Malach says:

    Grace and family.
    So sorry to hear about Gerry. He
    Was such a nice unassuming
    Gentleman. Prayers for you
    And hoping the best memories
    Of Gerry sustain you all…Jessica Malach

    Becky Guedry says:

    Grace,Colleen and Anna, sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I feel it was a honor to know and work for Gerry. He was a special man and friend. He was truly kind and caring.
    You & your family are in my thoughts & prayers. God Bless You,
    Sincerely,
    Becky Guedry

    Belinda Hickman says:

    Grace, Colleen, and Anna, I am so sorry for your loss. May God put his arms around you with the comfort only He can provide at this time. Rest in peace, Gerry!

    Blake Bruno says:

    I had the pleasure of working for Gerry at Shooters Supply for 6 years. 20 years later, they still remain some of my fondest memories of my youth. I will always remember his firm handshake and genuine smile when greeting you. They do not make men like him anymore. Rest in peace Mr. Cordts.

    Curtis+J+Comeau+DDS says:

    So sad. Spent a lot of time with Gerry during our time at Averill and our cub scout den #6. My condolences to Grace and the family.

    Judy Chatelain says:

    So sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. He was such a great person. Prayers for all of you. Love and hugs.

    mary ledyard says:

    Sending love, hugs, and prayers to you and the girls. I am so sorry for your loss.

    Rhonda Robichau says:

    Grace, Anna and family,
    We are so sorry for your tremendous loss of such a wonderful husband, father and friend to many. Praying for you and your family during this difficult time. May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ fill your hearts and give you peace.
    Much love from your Buckner family.

    Beth & Greg Cox says:

    What a great picture of Gerry! We are so sorry for the loss of your precious husband, father, and grandad. We are sending love to you and prayers of peace & comfort.

    Silvia pena says:

    Sending love and prayers our condolences to you and family ????????

    Ed Edson III says:

    A Great Loss !
    ????✨ Sincere Condolences !
    A great guy…they just don’t make them like that anymore ! ????

    Candye Anderson says:

    Grace, Anna and Colleen: I am so very sorry for your loss. Gerry was such a sweet soul. I know the last year or so has been hard and I feel your pain. You are in my prayers, wishing you strength and peace.

    Sara Sewell says:

    Sending love and prayers

    Lauren Hogan Shelton says:

    Grace I’m sorry to hear about Gerry’s passing, but he is no longer suffering. He was always such a gentleman to me as I was babysitting for my sweet cousins. He’d always come out of his office to say hi and always said thanks for taking care of my girls. Good memories you all have to cherish.

    Lewise Hager Lucaire says:

    I send my deepest sympathies to you, Grace, and all your family for your loss. Although I haven’t seen you all for many years, I remember what a great guy Gerry was. I hope your memories of the many years you had together will be a comfort to you.

    Pat Gafford Coldewey says:

    Dear Grace and family, I was so sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless you and keep you.

    Diana Caldronia Scheier says:

    Grace, I am so sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and family.

    Jim Mackin says:

    Grace, I am sorry to hear about your loss. May your memories of Gerry always bring you support and comfort.

    Charles & Liz Howell says:

    Dear Grace,
    Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.
    Liz & Charles Howell

    Ronnie Scarborough says:

    Grace,
    So sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing … as we were taught all 12 years in school … “it’s not goodbye, it’s see you later “.

    Georgia and Phil Dunlap says:

    So sorry for your loss. What a wonderful man with a beautiful family. May the grace of God guide you through these times and be with you always.

    Georgia McCreash Dunlap and Phil Dunlap.

    What a beautiful picture with a heavenly smile ????

    John h. Fears says:

    Gerry was such a great man. I was blessed to have him in my life. He will be remembered forever in our hearts and memories! God speed my friend. Thoughts and prayers to all.????????❤

    John h. Fears says:

    Gerry was such a great man. I was blessed to have him in my life. He will be remembered forever in our hearts and memories! God speed my friend. Thoughts and prayers to all.????????❤

    Dr. Ed Collins says:

    I loved my visits with Gerry and will miss him. Always had a sparkle in his eyes. And he and Grace let our family rent their beach cabin.

    He will be missed.

    Mary Colemon says:

    Grace, I’m so very sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. My prayers are with you and your girls. May sweet memories bring you all comfort.

    Jayson Merren says:

    My sincere prayers to the family. I will never ever forget that man, handshake, and smile truly asking how you were doing. Great man.

    Patricia Furby says:

    Grace & girls as a cousin I’ve always loved your family & the love you all had for each other. Gerry will never be forgotten by dearly missed. Hugs.

    Mary Munro says:

    Grace, may the Lord Bless you and your family with comfort and peace.

    Carroll McFaddin says:

    Grace and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.

    Gene & Kathryn McFaddin says:

    Grace and family,
    Our sincere condolences for your loss, and ours, too. Husband, father, outdoorsman, businessman, friend.
    We miss him already.

    Suzanne & Ashley LaRocca says:

    Grace,Anna,& Colleen,
    We are thinking about you all and you are in our prayers.
    We are so sorry for your loss.

    Jean & Gus McFaddin says:

    Thinking of all of you and sending prayers. Hugs

    Keely & Craig Kinsel says:

    Gracie,
    our deepest condolences to you and your family. You are in our prayers ????

    Carol says:

    To all of the family, I am mourning the loss of such a special man. I could not help “mothering” him.

    Anna Edwardson says:

    Thank your for your “mothering”. You have been a blessing in the last year!

    Colleen Rice says:

    Carole, you were the best gift we could have been given over the past year. The terrible circumstances in which you came to know dad and mom, ended up with such a silver lining. Dad would have been so grateful if he was able to express his appreciation.
    Thanks for all you have done to watch over dad and to console and assist mom through everything. We will continue to pray for you and for Stanley, and to help in any way you need!

    Lela says:

    Grace, I’m so sorry for your loss. You and the family are in my prayers.

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