At least a thousand Marion residents, family members and friends of Marion Mayor Henry Donald “Bobby” Gerald attended services for him in the Marion Baptist Church yesterday.
Hundreds stood in line Tuesday night, some for hours, at visitation services with Gerald's family to offer their condolences and remembrances. The remembering of Gerald continued during his Wednesday services.
Gerald, 67, who died Sunday, March 22 in Carolina’s Hospital in Florence, after suffering a heart attack, was remembered by friends and eulogized by T. Carroll Atkinson III. His pall bearers were members of the Marion City Fire Department. Gerald was born in Marion, a son of the late Dudley and Leatha Shelley Gerald. He was a 1960 graduate of Marion High School and married to Francis Harrelson Gerald. The couple has three children.
His public service began in 1975 when he was appointed as a member of the Marion County Board of Commissioners. He ran for County Council and was elected to his first term as a member of Marion County Council in 1977, where he served as Vice-Chairman of the Council.
He later served as Chairman of the Council from 1979 until 1982. In 1982, he was appointed by the Marion County Delegation as a member of the State Highway Commissioners, serving until 1985 when he ran for, and won, the Office of Mayor of the City of Marion. He served as Marion's Mayor for six consecutive terms.
Memorials may be made to the City of Marion Fire Department, 107 E. Bond Street, Marion, 29571, or to Marion Baptist Church New Organ Fund, 106 South Main Street, Marion, 29571.
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