Jeffrey D. Opperman

Jeffrey David Opperman, aged 63, of Nacogdoches left his earthly body for Paradise in his sleep on the morning of July 4, 2019 in Pittsburg, Texas in his wife Ginger’s childhood home which they worked together to rebuild. Both the time and the place were very befitting to Jeff and the way that he lived his life. He unselfishly gave Ginger this gift of time and resources out of his love for her and her family. He was also the ultimate patriot making the date of his passing fitting as well.

Jeff was born to Nancy and Richard Opperman in Ft. Worth, Texas on March 9, 1956. He graduated from O.D. Wyatt High School as President of his class in 1974. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1979.

Jeff married Ginger Russell Opperman in 1986 in Nacogdoches, Texas where they lived and raised their family to this date.

Jeff was owner of Opperman Surveying Company, an avid historian and volunteer. He was on the Nacogdoches County Historical Commission as a Vice President. He was President of the Nacogdoches Youth Baseball Association during his two sons’ time in the organization. He was the elected Nacogdoches County Surveyor for three terms. He was a Colonel in the Texas Army. The Texas Army’s purpose is to perpetuate the memory of the early Texas Patriots. This is accomplished through Battle Reenactments that made up the Texas Revolution all through the year. He was a staunch supporter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas for which he performed many color guard duties on state and local levels. He also volunteered as a reenactor with the Alamo Legacy & Mission’s Association in San Antonio and any other organization across the state at their request.

Jeff’s love of his wife, Ginger and their two sons, Casey and Eric, their wives Jenna and Holly, their grandchildren Owen, Landry and two unborn grandchildren that were waiting for him in Paradise and the family that they built together were the most important things in his life. He instilled in their sons HIS values of honor, integrity, respect of others and a love of God, family and friends that made HIM the honorable man that he is. I, Ginger, am writing this piece and I want ALL to know what I hope that HE knew and that was that he was the best part of me. With him and through the grace of Our Father, we led the most blessed life of anyone that I know. I am honored to have lived my life with this man and I know that he will always be with us even though we will be separated for this short time. Our family plan is to live our lives in such a way as to spend eternity with him, others that go or have gone on before us and Our Father who is already in Heaven.

Jeff is survived by wife, Ginger Russell Opperman; son Casey Russell Opperman and wife Jenna; son Eric Alan Opperman and wife Holly; grandson Owen Nash and granddaughter Landry Mae; father Richard Wallace Opperman; brother Richard and wife Deborah; brother Scott and wife Paulina; sister-in-law Lorri Opperman and many nieces and nephews. Jeff was also survived by Ginger’s family with which he had an extremely close bond but are too many to name and dear friends, the John McMurtray and Gerald Green families.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Dodson Opperman and father-in-law Billy Paul Russell and numerous loved ones.

Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, July 8 at Laird Funeral Home with Randy Harshbarger officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 PM Sunday, July 7 also at Laird Funeral Home. Interment will follow the service at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Nacogdoches with John McMurtray, Patrick McMurtray, Gerald Green, Dewayne Dugger, Greg McCoury, Spencer McFarland, Mark Haines and Doug Chapman serving as pallbearers. An honor guard of Texian reenactors will fire a salute in honor of Jeff’s life at the interment.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Friends of Ethiopia, care of Shirley Ward, 9808 Stripling Drive, Ft. Worth, Texas 76244.

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