Jerry Roller

“Healing doesn’t mean the pain never existed. It means the damage no longer controls our lives.” Gerald (Jerry) Q. Roller a resident of Wayne Oklahoma, passed away on March 29th, 2020. Jerry was a horse trainer by trade and loved the sport of horse racing. He spent many years of his life looking for that “One” exceptional horse. Jerry was born to Henry C. and Catherine (Blackwood) Roller. Jerry attended “Parks” a two-room community school and was a graduate of Elmore City Ok, High School. After graduating high school Jerry performed various jobs before being drafted at the peak of the US-Vietnam conflict. While serving his country, Jerry received the National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal/w 2 Bronze Service Stars; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Air Medal; Bronze Star Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster; Combat Infantry Badge; Sharpshooter (Rifle M-14); Marksman (Rifle M-16) and Expert (M-60). Jerry was often the “point man” in his platoon; leading other soldiers through the thick vegetation and rice fields of Vietnam. Jerry never forgot the soldiers-friends who lost their lives. Jerry’s conflicts didn’t end at the battlefield. He had an ability to make friends easily but his struggle with alcohol often strained those relationships with friends and family. Jerry was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother, Clinton, and sister, Phyllis. Jerry is survived by Ruby Roller of Pauls Valley, OK and her three daughters; Jerry’s two son’s Gregory & (Petronela) Roller of Edmond, Ok; Quinton & (Brandi) Roller of Sulphur; their mother Faye Roller of Elmore City, Ok; sister Beverley Rankin of Blanchard, Ok; brother Randy & (Nanette) Roller of Norman, Ok; six grandchildren ; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. Jerry was a proud member of the Chickasaw Nation. Jerry was a member of the Chickasaw Warrior Society. He received excellent medical services from the Chickasaw Nation employees. The specialness of Jerry was that everyone had a story about him and he would be the first to tell one on himself. The stories ranged from being highly outrageous; humorous; unbelievable, and sometimes, unfortunately tragic. Because the coronavirus pandemic has altered life for all, Jerry’s memorial service is pending. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to veteran or equine organizations, Native American causes or a charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held for Gerald (Jerry) Roller of Wayne, Oklahoma on Saturday, June 27th at 10:30 a.m. The service will be conducted under the pavilion at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. As the pandemic continues to move among us, the family recognized those individuals in high risk categories may not be able to attend. Mask and social distancing are encouraged. Services are under the direction of Wooster Funeral Home. You may send a condolence to the family at www.woosterfuneralhomes.com.

Jerry Roller

June 18, 1944 - June 19, 2020