Thomas E. Gerald, 91, of Smithdale, MS passed away January 3, 2024 at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center.

Visitation will be held Monday, January 8, 2024 at Mount Olive Baptist Church from 9 AM until services at 11 AM. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery. Bro. Eric Moak will officiate. Hartman Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

He was born on December 7, 1932 to the late Thomas Enos Gerald and Velma Nunnery Gerald.

Thomas was a member of the United States Navy. He was a talented fiddle player, and traveled around playing in different bands throughout his naval career and life. He met many famous and influential people and won many awards. Thomas was most proud of winning Bluegrass Fiddle Player Of The Year award 7 times in a row! He also had a cat named Edie, whom he loved dearly. He will be sadly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five sisters Florence (Jack) Blumenthal, Edith (John) Jackson, Frances (J.P.) Downs, Annie (Arvis) Bowlin, and Betty (R.D.) Fenn; and one brother, Glen Daniel.

He is survived by his wife, Martha Jackson Gerald; three children Sandra (Mitchell) Opat, Darren (Maria) Gerald, and Shari (Leo) DeLatte; four grandchildren Amy Lenhard, Thomas Lenhard, Lindsey (Dustin) Powers, and Leah DeLatte.

Pallbearers will be the Deacons of Mount Olive Baptist Church and Danny Bankston.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Mike Johnston, Ronnie Johnston, Steve Caraway and Chuck Netterville.