Dr. Jack Self DDS, 82, of San Angelo, passed away on December 30, 2019. Survivors include his daughter Susan Self and his son Matt Self both of San Angelo, TX. Arrangements are under the direction of Gutierrez Funeral Chapels/North.
Jackson Houston Self passed away on Monday, December 30, 2019 at home with his son Matthew and his daughter Susan by his side. He was born in Rising Star, Texas where his father was superintendent of schools on January 22, 1937. Jack was the son of Houston Bailey Self and Juanita Pentecost Self. Jack said that the two great losses in his life were his father Houston and his son Mark Houston Self. After his father’s death in Lubbock Texas, the family relocated to Abilene, Texas where he started the 6th grade. He graduated from Abilene High School. While in high school, he was a member of the “Team of the 20th Century in Texas High School Football” where he was fullback on a three year state football championship streak. After high school he attended his father’s alma mater, McMurray University for pre-dental work and attended The University of Texas at Houston dental school where he met and married Louellen Burns Self. He graduated from the University of Missouri at Kansas City College of Dentistry where his first son, Mark was born.
Upon receiving an early commission in the United States Air Force, he was assigned to the Dental Department at Wilford Hall Hospital at Lackland Air Force Base where his second child, Susan was born. While in the Service, Jack became a Master Mason at Valley High Lodge in San Antonio. Upon completion of his service obligation, he moved to San Angelo where his third child, Matthew was born. In San Angelo, he opened a dental practice with his cousin Dr. Ronald McWilliams.
Jack was a member of the County School Board and one of the first board members of the Concho Valley Home for Girls. From that time until his retirement, he was honored to provide all the dental work for these girls. Jack loved being a dentist and never wanted to retire. He wanted to be like his grandfather, Dr. J. B. Pentecost, who delivered his last baby at the age of 85. To Jack, his patients were like his extended family which is why he didn’t want to but was forced to retire upon developing an autoimmune muscle wasting disease for which there is no treatment at the age of 70.
He was preceded in death by his beloved father whom he worshiped, Houston Bailey Self, his mother Mary Juanita Pentecost Self and his precious son Mark Houston Self. He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter Susan Melinda Self, his son Matthew Holt Self, and his sister Carolyn Self. He also leaves his sweet and loyal Brittany Spaniel, Lady. Jack often said that he saw the face of God in children. He also believed that it takes a village to raise a child and wanted to ‘walk the walk” and not just “talk the talk”. Because of these beliefs, he also leaves behind his beloved adopted twin daughters Adrian and Nicole Stakes Self whom he gave his last name to and spent many wonderful years watching grow up. He was lovingly known as Grandpa Jack to their children, Aadyn Silva, Carlos Arroyo, Liliana Gonzalez, Elijah Gonzalez and Bella Rose Gutierrez,. He often referred to his grandchildren as his “life.”
Jack was an avid reader, philosopher, outdoorsman, golfer, birdwatcher, hiker, and amateur astro-physicist/geologist. He loved nature and animals of all kinds. He was very proud to call himself a Progressive Liberal Democrat and he adored his Sunday school class at St. Paul’s. He spent many happy times playing golf, taking summer trips and hunting at the lease with his best friend O. Paul Smith who was like a brother to him. Jack was one of a kind. There will never be another like him.
Jack spent the last 5.5 years of his life living with his daughter Susan with his son Matthew right next door. There he spent his days, having coffee with friends, feeding the birds, watering his sunflowers, watching the dogs play and his oak trees grow. His favorite activities were keeping up with high school friends via email, and sitting by the chiminea singing hymns from “Songs by Johan Anderson” while Matthew played the guitar surrounded by many very dear friends. He loved listening to violinists Itzak Perlman and Jascha Hiefitz and singing Amazing Grace and Yankee Doodle Dandy. His children are honored and privileged to have had him as a father and to carry the Self name. He was so full of love for humanity and made a difference in countless lives through his love, his generosity and his compassion. His last words on this earth were, “I love you” and It was the honor of a lifetime for his children to fulfill his last wish of living and dying at home.
This would not have been possible without the amazing staff of Hospice of San Angelo. A weight was lifted from weary shoulders the day they came into our home. Some people are angels on this earth. The people from Hospice are that indeed. Other angels on earth for Jack during his final year of life are our friends and family by choice: Amber Harkelroad , Billy and Tish Gutierrez, Darrell Jones and Candace Sage. Thank you for loving Daddy, and for loving and laughing us through some very challenging situations. YOU ARE LOVED.
If you want to honor Jack’s memory, do unto others, turn the other cheek, LOVE EVERYONE and by all means, feed the birds! If you want to donate in his name, the family asks that you consider Hospice of San Angelo, Concho Valley PAWS, or St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church.
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