Jerry Dennis | 2005

Jerry Dennis became involved in the swine industry at the age of 15. Jerry so enjoyed raising swine, he even kept a herd while attending Oklahoma State University. Jerry devoted his life to producing the highest quality breeding stock and helping Oklahoma’s youth.

Jerry graduated from Wapanucka High School in 1963. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Education from Murray State College in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, and his Bachelor of Science and Masters in Agriculture Education from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, in 1968. He married Sandra Kincaid on August 6, 1965. They made their home in Granite, Oklahoma, where he was the Vocational Agriculture teacher for twenty-two years. They moved to Wapanucka in 1989 where Jerry was the Johnston County O.S.U. Extension Agriculture Educator for over ten years, retiring in July 1999. Jerry then became the principle and vocational agriculture teacher for Wapanucka schools.

Jerry was a member and past president of the Oklahoma Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association, a member of the Johnson County Chamber of Commerce where he was recognized a Citizen of the Year, and was on the Board of Directors with INCA Community Services.. He also held memberships with the Lions Club, Johnson County Livestock Association, National Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association and the Oklahoma Swine Breeders Association. Jerry attended the Wapanucka Church of Christ. Jerry passed on February 24, 2003, after a battle with cancer.

Jerry’s legacy to the swine industry includes great Hampshire and Crossbred genetics and his commitment to helping students who wanted to get started in the show pig industry. Jerry’s commitment was demonstrated through his many years as swine superintendent for the Tulsa State Fair. He was also an excellent swine judge and judged many shows in southwest Oklahoma over the years.

Many people who knew Jerry considered him a role model and admired him for how he lived his life. He was always willing to help a student with feed for an animal and was quick to share his vast knowledge of swine genetics.

The Oklahoma Pork Council proudly honors Jerry’s legacy by inducting him into the Hall of Fame