Herman Gerald

"Well done thy good and faithful servant."

Herman Gerald, beloved Husband, Father, Papa, Grandpa, and American hero, passed away surrounded by his family into the arms of Jesus, after a courageous and valiant fight, on Monday, October 19, 2026.

Herman was born in Horry County, SC, June 12, 1932 to Charlie and Tossie Ann Gerald.

Herman loved his Lord, his family, and his country. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years in French Morocco, Korea, Thailand, Libya, North Africa, and numerous assignments in the United States. He married the love of his life, Edith Martin Gerald, in 1954, and was deployed within months to French Morocco. After 20 years of military service, Herman retired to West Columbia, SC, where he held several other positions before eventually retiring and enjoying gardening and working in his yard.

Herman was a hard worker, a man of his word, a devoted husband and father, believed in living frugally, and faithful follower of His Lord. He was a baker by trade and was often told he made the best cakes. He absolutely loved laughing and pulling pranks on his grandchildren. They often referred to him as "Birdman" believing his legs looked like bird legs. Although he was unable to attend Laurel Baptist Church the last few years of his life, he loved his Church and Church family. Even until the end when he was no longer able to physically serve, God allowed him to still support the work of the Church. Herman's favorite song, "Thank You, Lord, For Your Blessings on Me," exemplified his love of his Lord and his family.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 72 years, Edith Martin Gerald, his children, Brenda Strickland (Bob), Donna Boles (Bob), and Ron Gerald (Paula), all of West Columbia; his grandchildren, Robert Strickland (Utah), Angela Strickland Holladay, Elizabeth Dickerson (Zach), Jennifer Boles Smith (Derrick), and Bob Lee Boles, all of West Columbia, Jeannette Snyder (Dan) (TX), Crystal Tarltan (Branden) (NC), Ronnie Gerald, Jr. (Elise) (Okinawa), John Gerald (Katie) (Charleston), and Katie Goff (Greg) (Columbia); precious great-grandchildren, Jacob Strickland, Austin Dickerson, Nick Dickerson, Rashaun Carmichael, Megan Snyder, Addison Tarlton, Peyton Tarlton, Savannah Gerald, Amelia Goff, and Oliver Gerald. In addition, he leaves behind five great-great grandchildren. Left to cherish his memory are dear nephews, Kenny Prince (Ann) and Gene Milligan (Wanda); and niece, Debbie Sputo (Dominic).

He was predeceased by his parents, his brother, Berkley Gerald, and sister, Flossie Prince, of Loris, SC. He was also predeceased by his precious great-granddaughter, Kiana Carmichael.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Laurel Baptist Church, 2250 Pine St., West Columbia, SC 29170 or consider packing one, two, or ten Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes in memory of Herman to share the gospel around the world.

A funeral service will be held at Laurel Baptist Church, 2250 Pine Street, West Columbia, SC on Friday, October 23, 2026 at 4:00 with military honors; visitation will be one hour prior to service and interment will be in Southland Cemetery Mausoleum immediately following the service.

The family is comforted in knowing he is in the arms of his Lord and Savior, and we will one day be with him again.