Gerald Thomas Easley, formerly of Vicksburg, passed away April 22, 2016, in Statesville, N.C.

He was born Jan. 2, 1930, in Hattiesburg to the late William Franklin Easley and Anna Mae Hall Easley.

Gerry graduated from Hattiesburg High School and attended Mississippi Southern College, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order Fraternity, the university band, choir and orchestra. A call to service during the Korean War with the 313th Army Band interrupted his education.

Following two years of service, he entered the University of Mississippi where he served as drum major of the Ole Miss Band, played French horn in the concert band and orchestra, and trumpet in the “Mississippians” dance band.  He received a Bachelor of Music Degree in 1954 and married his college sweetheart, Nancy Craig.

In 1955, he entered Mississippi State University and was drum major of the Famous Maroon Marching Band.  He received a degree in mechanical engineering in 1957 and accepted a position with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Vicksburg, retiring in 1996 as director of public works at the Waterways Experiment Station.

An avid outdoorsman, Gerry loved fishing and was a master at cultivating hybrid tea roses. He was a constant presence on the tennis court and golf course at the Vicksburg Country Club.

His love of music continued to bring him great joy as he played French horn in the Jackson Symphony for many years. His love of the stage prompted him to be a part of the Vicksburg Little Theatre with numerous performances. Gerry’s interest in photography followed him throughout his adult life. As a hobby he established a framing business, “The Frame Up,” and his home was filled with his beautiful photographs.

Gerry was a 60-year member of the Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow.

In Vicksburg, he was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Vicksburg Country Club, Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation, and Mississippi Senior Golfers and Metropolitan Supper Club of Jackson.

Nancy passed away in 2000, and in 2003, Gerry married Georgane Ferguson Love of Hattiesburg. In 2009, the Easleys moved to Statesville, N.C.

In addition to his parents and first wife, he is predeceased by a brother, Dr. William Franklin Easley Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Georgane; stepson, Dale Kelly Love Jr. of Hattiesburg; and a niece, Susan Easley Kelly of Raleigh.

Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m. Friday, April 29, 2016, at Riles Funeral Home with the Rev. Tim Brown, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, officiating.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the hour of the service. Burial will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Rosalie Mansion, PO Box 1392, Natchez, MS 39121 or a charity of choice.