Jerry Kent McAlpin

After a courageous and lengthy battle with cancer, Jerry McAlpin peacefully passed away November 1, 2021, surrounded by many of those he loved.  Jerry was a kind and gentle soul who loved being with his family, many friends, and his puppy dogs, especially Priscilla.

Jerry grew up in Beaumont working on weekends at his father’s car lot cleaning and servicing his dad’s cars.  He graduated from Forest Park High School and attended the University of Houston, where he met Mike Bartniski and Edward Harris, with whom he has remained great friends for over 50 years.  Oftentimes Jerry and friends would meet at the Spanish Village Restaurant and then head out to watch the U of H Cougars play football or basketball.

After graduating college, Jerry pursued a career in the Oil & Gas industry specializing in Chemical Plants.  There was not a chemical he did not know and their proper usage, especially when cleaning storage tanks while helping prevent corrosion.  His reputation in the Chemical Industry took him to Scotland, where he was able to help a client who required his expertise.  Later in his career, Jerry was promoted to Safety Officer, where he wrote safety manuals and introduced safety programs.

Jerry was an incredible bowler and won multiple trophies and awards, thriving on the camaraderie he enjoyed with fellow bowlers.  He later mentored and coached children’s leagues and thoroughly enjoyed his contribution to helping shape young lives positively.

Jerry was phenomenal when it came to statistics about sports, and when it came to history, he was not to be challenged, because he was an expert.  He loved history and specialized in the Civil War.

There was not anything he did not know about country western music and classic western movies.  He would often quote movie lines as if he wrote the script.

Jerry was preceded in death by his loving parents, Mark and Louise (Leeper) McAlpin, and his wife, Georgia.

He is survived by his stepson, Joe Reynolds; his aunt, Beth Garrett; his cousins, Caren Benge and her husband, Dennis; Tommy Voss and his wife, Cyndy; Lee Voss and his wife, Sharon; and Robert Voss.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Beaumont Animal Care, 1884 Pine Street, Beaumont, Texas 77703; the Humane Society-Southeast Texas, 2050 Spindletop Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77705; or any non-kill animal shelters.

A gathering of Jerry’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, November 4, 2021, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 5, 2021, at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, 700 Jefferson Street, Beaumont. Jerry’s interment will follow at Turner Branch Cemetery, Spurger.

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