Robert Gerald Kersey, known as Gerald, passed away on August 15, 2025, in Lawrenceville, at the age of 90. Born on February 24, 1935, in Washington D.C., Gerald spent his early years in Silver Spring, Md. before his family moved to Georgia. There he spent the remainder of his life filled with devotion to his Lord, his family and those around him; to serving others, and to community engagement through his church.
Gerald received a Bachelor of Arts from Mercer University followed by a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. His academic pursuits laid a strong foundation for his lifelong commitment to pastoral work and counseling. Gerald’s career was marked by his dedication to serving as a bi-vocational pastor at various churches across Middle Georgia. He resigned from pastoring to go into private practice as a Pastoral Counselor through which he touched and impacted many lives. In his early adult life, he also spearheaded significant projects, including developing a program focused on addressing alcoholism while working at the Vocational Rehabilitation of Georgia in the 1960s.
Beyond his professional life, Gerald was deeply involved in his community of faith. After resigning as pastor from Towaliga Baptist Church, he, with his family, joined the First Baptist Church of Avondale Estates, where he served in various capacities for over 42 years including teaching the co-ed Freedom Class all 42 of those years. He spent the last nearly 20 years of his life as a member of Lawrenceville First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), contributing to discussions during Sunday School and presenting thought-provoking communion meditations.
Gerald had a friendly, loving, and welcoming nature that was evident to all who knew him. In his later years he cherished his daily walks and conversations with neighbors, family and friends. He was a man of many interests, including being an avid reader and a proponent for healthy eating and exercise. He also enjoyed carpentry and was always eager to learn and to connect with others. He enjoyed playing board games with his family when everyone was together, especially enjoying the many sidebar conversations. Gerald enjoyed life and being connected to others.
He is survived by his son, Dr. David Kersey (Shari) of Asheville, N.C.; daughter, Lori McCane (Ron) of Jacksonville, Fla.; grandchildren, Josh Castleberry, Cheryl Davis (Jacob) and Andrew Kersey; great-grandchildren, Aiden Castleberry, Halley Castleberry, and Ann Davis; along with many nephews, nieces, and his sister-in-law, Helen Ellis. Gerald was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 57 years, Ann E. Kersey; son, Alan Kersey; parents, Thomas and Laura Kersey; and sister, Charlotte Fitzgerald.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 28, at 2:30 p.m. at Lawrenceville First Christian Church, 3495 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gerald’s memory can be made to Lawrenceville First Christian Church at the same address or to The Fuller Center for Housing, Box 523, Americus, Ga. 31709-9923.
