Paul Raymond Gerard

“Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. “

Psalm 23:6

On Tuesday, February 28, 2023, Paul Raymond Gerard, loving husband, father, grandfather and great grand father passed peacefully into God’s eternal heaven. 

Love of God, love of family, and love of life characterized the life of Paul Gerard. 

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Barbara Eva Gerard in 2019. They celebrated their marriage for 71 years. 

Paul was born April 28, 1926 he was the only child of Rev. Everett and Eva Gerard, born in Dana, Indiana. Paul graduated from El Monte, California High School after attending Newport schools. In Newport he was on the track team, holding records for that time. He also played basketball. 

After graduation in 1944, he joined the Navy at the age of 17 and served as a Quartermaster (Signalman). Paul served aboard the USS Gamble and the USS Schuykill in the Mariana Island, Marshall Island, and Iwo Jima Island Campaigns. 

When the war ended, Paul returned to Cayuga, Indiana where he fell in love with Barbara Hack.  Paul married Barbara Hack on December 21, 1947, after which he attended barber college in Terre Haute, Indiana. 

Paul, in service to his country, again entered into the Navy during the Korean War and was stationed in Kodiak, Alaska where Barbara joined him for the next 2 years. 

Discharged from the Navy, Paul and Barbara, with their newborn Pamela, moved back to Indiana for a short time, where in 1954 son Paul Steven was welcomed into the family. 

In 1956 Paul and Barbara, with their two children, Pamela and Paul, moved to Florida. Penni, their third child was born in 1960. 

It was there that Paul establish his hair styling business, a popular shop in the Clearwater-Largo area for 43 years. 

Paul and Barbara were active in the Clearwater Church of the Nazarene, where they enjoyed serving God and the community. 

Paul was an active church board member, as well as choir member, and coach for softball and basketball teams. 

In 1999 Paul retired from barbering, and with Barbara moved to Cumming, Georgia to be near their children and grandchildren. He loved playing  basketball with family as long as he could.  As he was able, he loved to cut his grand and great grandchildren’s hair. Paul and Barbara attended Way Point, formerly North Lanier Baptist, enjoying and actively participating in a Sunday School class. 

Paul is survived by his three children, daughter Rev. Pamela Runyan and her husband Rev. Doug Runyan, son Pauly Gerard and wife Gayla Gerard, and daughter Penni Arner and Brian Arner. 

Grandchildren:  Dr. Jason Runyan, Lauren and Rev. Mark Snodgrass, Ashley and Quincy Pickering; Lea Rader, Lou and Melissa Gerard, Lyle and Jessica Gerard, Lawson and Sara Gerard; Chauncey and Maisen Arner, Cobey Arner.

Great Grandchildren: Dietrich, Eleanor and Jude Runyan; Paul and Luke Snodgrass; Henley, Chatwin and Savoy Pickering; Steele  and Axel Rader; Landon and Juliette Gerard; Weston Gerard; Brooks and Georgia Gerard; Crue Arner. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Ingram Funeral Home Cumming, Ga on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 11:00am; visitation at 10:30.