Willie Jerry Gore

Willie Jerry Gore, 75, of Taylor passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 as the result of an automobile accident in Bell County.

Willie was born on October 26, 1943 in Taylor, Texas to Margie (Sladek) Zycha. He grew up in Taylor surrounded by his 4 siblings: David, Dean, Sharon, and Charlotte. After graduating from high school, Willie enrolled in the United States Air Force and served in the Vietnam War. Willie was blessed with two sons, Brian and Steven, from his first marriage. After serving for four years, Willie returned home and attended Lee College, where he obtained his Associates in Law Enforcement. He utilized his degree and became a state trooper from 1967 to 1981. On December 12, 1992, Willie married Louise Shaw.

Willie had a plethora of hobbies. One of those hobbies was playing golf down at the Mustang Creek Golf Course with buddies. He also loved to fly things – kites, planes, you name it. Playing poker and playing the prankster was also a time filler. He was known for “having his PhD in B.S.”. You could find him being an avid gardener, loving on his vegetable garden and tending to his greenhouse. Willie also had quite the green thumb – he could grow anything! If he wasn’t outside, you could catch him watching the Cowboys or the Astros on television.

In addition to all his hobbies, Willie worked and volunteered. He owned Golden Chick restaurants in La Grange and Lockhart and served as a rehab team member for the Taylor Volunteer Fire Department. His most recent position was being a driver at Covert in Hutto, where he made many new friends over the years. At the root of his heart, he loved the Lord and served faithfully as a parishioner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Willie is preceded in death by his mother, Margie (Sladek) Zycha and her husband Emil Zycha; former wife and mother of his children, Katie (Rohlack) Gore; son, Steven Gore; and brother, David Threadgill.

Willie is survived by his wife, Louise (Shaw) Gore; son, Brian (Debbie) Gore; 4 grandchildren, David Gore, Sarah Sharp, Kalee Sue Gore, and Chris Gore; sisters, Sharon (James) Campbell and Charlotte (Clint) Howell; brother, Dean (Sharrion) Threadgill; sisters-in-law, Sherry Sladek and Merlene Shaw; and numerous great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

A visitation will be held at Providence Funeral Home on Friday, October 25, 2019 beginning at 5:00pm, with a rosary at 6:00pm. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 10:00am. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Ronnie Sladek, Tay Campbell, Matthew Howell, Christopher Gore, Ryan Fortenot, John Williams, Jason Sladek and Michael Campbell.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the David Threadgill Memorial Scholarship Fund at City National Bank.