Jerry Lynn “Big Dog” Malone

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Coach Jerry Malone Memorial Scholarship fund. Texas National Bank, P.O. Box 999, Marshall, Texas 75670 or using PayPal: marlinbigdog@gmail

Jerry Lynn “Big Dog” Malone, 73, passed away peacefully Monday, April 6, 2020 ending his battle with Alzheimer’s. He was born December 26, 1946 in Longview, Texas the ninth child of Cleo and Pauline Malone.

His love for sports began during high school where he lettered in four sports, football, basketball, baseball and track. He graduated Hallsville High School in 1965 and was drafted into the United States Army where he served two years and also played football while enlisted. He returned home and attended Henderson State on a football scholarship where he played for the “Reddies” and met his wife of 42 years Martha Johnson Malone. They had three children Christen Malone Slone, Eric Malone and Cody Malone.

During Jerry’s coaching career of 47 years, he touched many lives not just on the field but in the classroom as well. He was one of a kind, intense with a big heart, loved his family, players and athletes unconditionally. He was caring and giving and would buy tennis shoes, pay for college entrance exams or just give his players hamburger money. He was a Dad to those that needed guidance and love. His career in coaching football took him to many places starting in Cotton Valley, Louisiana and then led him to Osceola, Arkansas finally returning to Texas to coach for Hallsville, Troup, Farmers Branch, Harmony, Lubbock, Willis, Henderson and then spent 16 years coaching for Marlin where the lives he touched were countless. He finally returned to East Texas to be close to his family and coached in Beckville, Texas until retirement in 2018.

He loved playing golf with his buddies, taking the grandkids to the movies and grilling for family and friends.

Jerry is survived by Martha Johnson Malone, his three beloved children, daughter Christen Malone Slone (Jeff), his son and daughter in-law Eric Malone (Kate), and son Cody Malone (Nicole). He was Big Pop to Cagan and Collier Slone, Emily and Maddie Malone, Quentin Moon and expected soon, Abigail Malone. He is also survived by three brothers, Malcom (Jeri), John “Woody” (Linda), Danny (Nancy) and sisters Linda Benson, Gayle Riley (Bobby) and Sheryl Sims (Larry). He was preceded in death by his parents, Pauline and Cleo Malone, Brothers Charlie, David, Marvin and Andy Malone and sisters, Mildred Brown and Sue English. He was Uncle Jerry to many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to the staff of Marshall Hospice and Marshall Manor Nursing and Rehab for all the love and care given to Coach Malone. We will miss his sense of humor and smile.

Due to the COVID-19 a private family service will be held at Gum Springs Cemetery on April 25, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. A celebration of life will be held in Marlin, Texas at a later date.

Honorary Pallbearers are Stan Parris, Alvin Chane, Mac Hughes, Coach Joe Mullins, Rick Porter, Kevin Gracie, Chuck Vincent, Joe Spurgeon, Boo Durh, Devon Hughes, Mark Jimenez, Danny Freeman, Jason Starkey, Bart Malone, Mike Sims and all of the Marlin Bulldogs and the many students and athletes he touched during his coaching career.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Coach Jerry Malone Memorial Scholarship fund. Texas National Bank, P.O. Box 999, Marshall, Texas 75670 or using PayPal: marlinbigdog@gmail

The Marlin Democrat

251 Live Oak St
Marlin, TX 76661
Phone: (254) 883-2554
Fax:(254) 883-6553