Obituary of Robert E. Gerrald

WEST COLUMBIA—A chapel service for Robert E. Gerrald, 85, of West Columbia, will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at the Southland Memorial Gardens Chapel. Officiating will be Reverend Steve Allen. Burial will be in Southland Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northside Baptist Church, 4347 Sunset Blvd., Lexington, SC 29072. Mr. Gerrald, beloved husband of the late Marie Gerrald of 37 years, passed away on Friday, May 24, 2013. Born in Mullins, he was the son of the late Willie Gerrald and Janie Gerrald. He was a member of Northside Baptist Church. He served his country in the Korean War and received the Bronze Star, was honorably discharged as a Master Sergeant. He owned his own hotel for five years, The Mullins Hotel in Mullins, SC, after that he went to work for Inland Steel Company in hospitality in the Great Lakes Region for 20 years. Surviving are his step-daughter, Dorothy Johnson (Bill) of West Columbia; sisters, Shelby Hardee, Betty Filyaw, Hattie Prochaska and Linda Skipper; brother, Henry Allen; loving nephews, Red Phipps, Frank Phipps, Harold Phipps (Joyce), Loyd Phipps and Grant Page; loving niece, Jo-Ann Pierce; special nieces, Ronda Page and Sonya White; special nephew, Glen Blair; grandsons, Wayne Blair (Lynn), Wesley Johnson and Carson Johnson; granddaughter, Sonny Benabough (Rusty); great-granddaughter, Michelle Corley and great-grandson, Patrick Blair; great-grandchildren, Jackson & Henry Johnson, Annie Johnson, Andrea, Virginia and Jedi Johnson. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Marie Gerrald; sisters, Geneva Edge and Bertha Phipps; brothers, Kenneth Gerrald and Herman Allen. A special thanks to his loving caregiver for several years Ms. Orena Schwartz and Jennie Lynn Assisted Living where he lived the past 2 ½ years. Special thanks to Al, Beverly, Sylvia, Anita, Jean, Alexis, Samantha, Brittany, Tiawanna, Laura, Lori, Karen, Jessie and other staff members who he loved dearly. Special thanks to Dr. Bruce Easterling and Janet Nessbaunm and the VA Staff for their many years of great care. Special thanks to Melanie Newell and Matilda from Tri-County Hospice for their love and support.