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Jed Malloy, a longtime resident of Floresville, is known and loved by many in the city. He is seen almost daily, often walking up and down the streets and performing odd jobs, such as lawn care. WILLIAM J. GIBBS JR./Wilson County News
He is not a movie star, professional athlete, or politician.
But what Jed Malloy is to all who know him in Floresville is the embodiment of the small town’s indomitable, hard-working spirit and love that treats everyone as family.
“When you think of Floresville, you think of Jed,” said Mayor Cissy Gonzalez-Dippel.
It is that warmth and kindness that has sustained Jed, who perhaps has had more than his share of challenges — including dreams being snatched from his grasp. In one instance, when he was 15, Jed’s hope of trying out for the school baseball team was taken away from him when he was run over by a car. Though Jed survived, the after effects of internal injuries resulting from that incident still plague him today.
Jed, now 63, recalls being given another break after he got in trouble for stealing.
“They told me I could be in jail or go to counseling, and they would pay for it, so I went to counseling,” he said. “ … I learned my lesson already … I took stuff; I decided not to do that anymore. It’s not worth it.”
Christmas at the home of Jason Talley’s family just wouldn’t be the same without Jed Malloy (third, from left), who joins in the festivities with (from left) Ashlynn Meyer, Mikaela Talley, Amelia Talley, Macie Talley, Leah Rodriguez, Wyatt Talley, Travis Rodriguez, Heather Keylich, and Carson Talley. COURTESY
Regardless, Jed remained a fast runner, winning multiple Special Olympics medals over the years in track. He graduated from Floresville High School, then went to work for many years in his school’s cafeteria and held numerous other jobs such as local restaurants, assembling chairs at Camino Real Community Services, and in retail stores, such as Home Marketplace on 3rd in Floresville.
“I don’t like to be at home doing nothing,” he said.
Jed also earns money doing mowing and other yard work.
“Right now I’m waiting until my friend fixes a riding mower, then I will work with him,” he said. “I can make a little money on the side.”
One of Jed’s frequent yard work customers is his longtime friend, Floresville businessman Jason Talley.
“I’ve known him since I probably was in fourth grade; that was about 45 years ago,” Talley said. “My dad always hired him for yard work. His dad did work at some of our places and Jed would come with him.”
Many Floresville residents, including Allison Clements, treat Jed Malloy like family. WILLIAM J. GIBBS JR./Wilson County News
Jed is known for his unyielding work ethic, so much that when asked what he likes to do when he is not working, Jed quickly replied, “Nothing” — although he admitted occasionally enjoying a word search book. The customer service staff at the Wilson County News knows that Jed is an avid reader of the paper, showing up bright and early every Tuesday to purchase a copy of the latest edition. He also likes to shop in Finders Keepers Market in Floresville.
Now Jed is waiting for the weather to get better so he can take in some fishing at Talley’s family ranch.
“I just went to Walmart and bought me a nice tackle box,” he said.
Talley said Jed has become like a brother to him, and his presence is expected at holiday dinners.
“My girls, when we get together for Thanksgiving, my parents, they’ve all gotten accustomed to seeing Jed at Thanksgiving,” he said.
Jed, who was born in Hobbs, New Mexico, is one of six children, but he has no biological family left in the area. His father — whose work in construction moved the family eastward to Luling before they settled in Floresville — is deceased and his mother now lives in a nursing home in Dallas. Jed’s two brothers are deceased; one sister lives in Arizona and the other two live in Duncanville.
But Talley said that Jed has become a beloved member of his “Floresville family.” For instance, Allison Clements — one of Talley’s employees — is Jed’s medical power of attorney. She also makes sure he does not miss his doctor appointments. Talley said Floresville businesswoman Melissa Popham helps Jed manage his finances and pay his bills.
“It’s really just an affection for a guy who probably hasn’t had the kind of life he should have,” Talley said. “We’ve known him that long. I know a lot of folks that are blood kin and they don’t have this kind of affection for each other.”
He added, “[Jed’s] got a heart of gold.”
On just about any day, Jed can be seen walking through Floresville. All year round, he wears a cowboy hat, but he will don a duster in the cooler months. These days, the 63-year-old walks with the assistance of a cane, but that has not slowed him down.
Gonzalez-Dippel, who previously broadcasted with local radio station KWCB, said she has known Jed for at least 25 years and the two have enjoyed many conversations together.
“I think everybody in town knows him,” said the Floresville mayor. “He’ll just walk around and talk to you. He’s one of the friendliest guys in town.”
