Jerry Needham Worthy

November 9, 1929 - February 19, 2021

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Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home - Big Spring

Tuesday 2/23, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

St. Mary's Episcopal Church

Friday 2/26, 2:00 pm

Interment will follow the Memorial Service in the Columbarium at Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church

Jerry Needham Worthy, 91, of Big Spring, passed away Friday, February 19th, 2021. He will lie in state Tuesday, February 23, 2021 from 8:30 am until 9:00 pm at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, February 26, 2021 at Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church. Facemasks and social distancing are required. He will be interred in the columbarium at Saint Mary’s alongside his brother, Robert Gayle Worthy and his beloved wife of 49 years, Dr. Louise Ann Bennett Worthy. The Memorial Service will be broadcast live on the Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church Facebook page at www.facebook.com/StMarysBigSpring/
He was born in Donie, Texas as the third son of parents Thomas Roy Worthy and Violet Everett Needham Worthy on November 9th, 1929. He was a pilot from an early age, influencing him to volunteer as a pilot in the Second World War as a volunteer in the Army Air Forces III Fighter Command Aircraft Warning Services. After he graduated from Teague High School in the spring of 1946, he went off to Baylor University, at only age 16. While a student in Baylor, he continued flying and was the president of the photography club. He developed most of his class from another club he was active in, the Esquire Club. After he graduated in 1950 with a BBA, he enlisted in the Air Force with his friend, Joe B. Farris, on February 2nd, 1951. He saw combat in 24 bombing missions over North Korea. After the war, he came to Big Spring for work, where he met and married Dr. Louise Ann Bennett on October 12, 1956. Together, they had three children, Ann Louise Worthy, Jerry Bennet (Jeb) Worthy and Roy Bishop Worthy.
Jerry lived a long and fulfilling life, some of his many achievements include: the founding of the Heritage Museum of Howard County, the founding of the Hanger 25 Air Museum, the renaming of the VA to the George H. O’Brien VA Medical Center (as well as the construction of The George O’Brien statue), the founding of the Big Spring Symphony, and helping grow the Big Spring Area Community Foundation. Similarly, he was involved in other areas, as he was district governor of the Rotary Club and highly involved in the Ranching Heritage Museum Association in Lubbock, where he was president.
He loved Big Spring and was always a strong advocate trying to discover ways of benefiting and growing our city.
Jerry is survived by two children, Ann Louise Worthy Stephenson of Christchurch, New Zealand, and Roy Bishop Worthy of Big Spring. A son-in-law, Timothy Robert Shaw Stephenson of Christchurch, New Zealand, and a daughter-in-law, Dr. Michelle Lee Wiggins Worthy of Big Spring. He is survived by one grandson, Jerry Bennett Worthy of Big Spring.
He is preceded in death by his son, Jerry Bennett (Jeb) Worthy, a brother, Robert Gayle Worthy, both his parents, and his wife, Dr. Louise Ann Worthy.
“What a great life he had! Warrior, father, mentor, grandfather, believer. He touched so many. Well done, sir!”
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Hanger 25 Museum.
Arrangements are by Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com

Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home - Big Spring

Tuesday 2/23, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

St. Mary's Episcopal Church

Friday 2/26, 2:00 pm

Interment will follow the Memorial Service in the Columbarium at Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church

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So sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. He had a true love of Big Spring and was part of a breakfast group that met for several years to discuss ways to make life better for all in the community. Now that he's in an elevated state, maybe he can come up with a way to get a hotel built down around Comanche Trail Lake. RIP, my old friend. It was a true pleasure to know you and Weezy.

Jerry Worthy was a wonderful man with a great love for Big Spring, and he did so much for his community I am especially grateful for his contributions to the symphony and the museum. We had the utmost respect and appreciation for him and will remember him fondly. Prayers and condolences for the family. Sincerely, Tommy and Jobeth Corwin

Condolences to the Worthy family. May our loving Lord wrap His arms around you during this time of need. Amen.

I met Jerry when I began working at St Mary's Church in 1983. Jerry served as Junior Warden at St.Mary's a few years after I became the church Secretary. Jerry would always come into my tan office and say we need to make your office a happy place. Jerry worked so hard making my office a lovely place to come to every day. He installed a lock with a safety buzzer to keep me safe when I was there alone. Jerry worked very hard to make St. Mary's Church a better place always keeping in mind the historic aspect of the building. Jerry always had a big smile and hug for me not matter where I saw him. I had tremendous love and respect for Jerry - a huge loss to me and all of our community. Peace my friend.

May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. My most sincere condolences. Nick Hilario Ornelas Big Spring City Council, District 1 Represenative

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Prayers for the Worthy family. Jerry was a living example of "The 4-Way Test". May the God of Love bring him peace.

In memory of Jerry Needham Worthy, Lora Wofford lit a candle

He was a very nice man. He did love Big Spring and his wife and children. He will be missed.

We are so sorry for your loss. Your father was one of a kind and will definitely be missed. I personally always admired him for his die hard commitment to making our community a better place to live.

My prayers go out to the entire family

My heart, love and prayers are with you and your family.

Roy and Ann our deepest sympathy. Hope you two are ok and know we are thinking of you at this time. May God grant you peace. Love and a big hug. Melvin and Bobbie Fryar

Our sympathy and prayers to the Worthy family from the Donald Bennett and Nan McKinney family. Dr. Larry and Paula McKinney Molly McKinney and Mark Foss

My prayers for the family during this time. Jerry, I will miss you, my friend. It has been an honor and wonderful journey working with and knowing you.

Jerry was a great Rotarian and my friend. He was a part of the committee that nominated me to be District Governor and I served as nominee during his term and we became great friends. He gave my wife Bonnie her Paul Harris at his district conference in Big Spring. We enjoyed projects and cruises together. My prayers are with the family. Jerry will be missed.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.