Gerald F. Kirksey

Gerald F. Kirksey, 87, beloved husband and father passed away April 1, 2017, at Willson Hospice House. The family welcomes friends to the funeral services on Tuesday at 2:00 PM at Sherwood Baptist Church chapel. Dr. Michael C. Catt and Dr. Stephen Johnson will officiate. Visitation will be held before the service from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM in the atrium at Sherwood Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Crown Hill Cemetery. Mike Frantz, Brian Frantz, Gavin Hall, Gannon Hall, LaDon Toole, Brock Toole and Logan Toole will serve as active pallbearers.

Gerald was born in Miller County, GA on June 10, 1929, to the late Emmitt and Johnnie Mae Kirksey. He was an active member and Deacon at Sherwood Baptist Church and attended the Beacon Sunday School Class. When he lived in Tifton, he served as a Deacon at Northside Baptist Church. Gerald was also active in the Exchange Club of Albany.

Gerald was employed with the Georgia Department of Transportation and retired after thirty-four years as Resident Engineer. Later he dedicated over twenty years as Dougherty County Director of Public Works, and was instrumental in leading the county's efforts during the 1994 and 1998 floods.

He was a noted gardener and spent countless hours growing beautiful flowers. He and his wife, Billie, just celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary.

Survivors include his wife, Billie Cowart Kirksey of Albany, GA - two daughters, Elaine Arich and her husband, Steve of Sylvester, GA and Stephanie Miller of Nashville, TN. - two grandchildren, Stephen K. Kirk Arich of Macon, GA and Lauren Miller Bennett and her husband, Trey of Smithville, TN - one great-granddaughter, Eleanor Bennett. Other survivors include a brother, Donald Kirksey and his wife, Winnie Lou of Bainbridge, GA, a niece, Kaye Kirksey of Bainbridge, GA and three great nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Toole and a nephew, Jimmy Toole.

Those desiring may make contributions to either Meet the Need c/o Sherwood Baptist Church, 2201 Whispering Pines Rd., Albany, GA, 31707 or Willson Hospice Foundation, 320 Foundation Dr., Albany, GA, 31707.

To sign our online registry or to send condolences to the family, you may visit Mathews website at www.mathewsfuneralhome.com.