Jerry Lee Rudd

  Jerry Lee Rudd left this world to rest peacefully in the arms of our heavenly Father on Saturday, June 20, 2026, after several years of declining health.

 He was born to Lee Jefferson Rudd and Bonnie Hughes Rudd on March 14, 1936, in the mill community of Altamahaw NC.  Growing up in rural Alamance County meant hunting and fishing to your heart’s  content.  That thrill of the kill or catch was to last a lifetime.

 Jerry’s first place of employment was in a local mill making ladies hosiery for twenty-five cents an hour.  Shortly after, he had the opportunity to study drafting design which eventually took him to California, New Mexico, Illinois, Texas, Maryland and back to Texas.  He retired from the space program in Clear Lake TX at 73 years of age.Jerry married Constance Hurdt Ziegenhals in 1987 in

Lake Jackson TX. This was their home for the next twenty years.  After his retirement in early 2009 they relocated to Ivanhoe to their weekend property.  It was here they found their little piece of heaven on earth.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Bonnie.

He is survived by his wife, Connie, brother Bobby Rudd of Graham NC, the mother of his children, Jean Garrison Weathers, four children: Daughter, Vicki Rudd Hand (Steve) of Conroe TX, son, Kerry Rudd (Pamela) of Wimberley TX, son, Mike Rudd (Martha) of Honduras and son, Trenton Ziegenhals of Bay City TX and twelve grandchildren: Lacy Green (Doug), Tim Green (Megan), Cameron Hand (Shelby), Christopher Hand (Teressa), Terry Rudd (Rachael), Kaylee Rudd Engel (Chad), Sarah Rudd Fortney (Drew), Esther Rudd Swanson (Josh), Michael Rudd (Claudia), Ruth Rudd Lancaster (Scotty), Grace Rudd, Colt Morris and thirty-three great grandchildren.   

The family would like to thank Harbor Hospice of Jasper for their wonderful care and concern for our husband, Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa.  A very special thanks go to Kelly Gardner and Margo Barnett,  whom he loved.  

An informal Celebration of Life will be held at the Buck Priest Community Center on Sunday, June 28, 2026. A covered dish luncheon will be served at 1pm with the memorial service at 2pm. Said service will be presided by Mike Rudd and Vicki Rudd Hand.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105 or Tyler County Caring is Sharing, P.O. Box 2233, Woodville TX 75979 or a charity of your choice.

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