Jerry Glenn Gulsby

Jerry Glenn Gulsby, 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 23rd, 2026 at his home in Fairhope, Alabama. He was born on March 3rd, 1935 in Uriah, Alabama, to his parents, Clifton and Ferris Gulsby. He graduated from Frisco City High School before attending his beloved alma mater, the University of Houston, on a basketball scholarship. He earned degrees in Mathematics (1957) and Chemical Engineering (1958), and remained a lifelong Coogs fan.

A consummate professional engineer, he spent 52 years in the oil and gas industry, conceiving, designing, and constructing upstream and midstream facilities on six continents, with Antarctica the only exception. Named on several patents, Jerry saw problems and opportunities in ways few did and understood complex systems in remarkable detail, often visualizing and recalling them years later. He was the expert in the room, always willing to share his knowledge and experience, and a dedicated mentor to many.

Jerry built a remarkable career, but carried it lightly, keeping family at the center. The phrase “A life well lived” fits well. For those who knew him, he had a way of breaking down complexity into simple bullet points. It feels appropriate to reflect on his life the same way.

● Jerry was a Parrothead in the most authentic sense, who loved the water and the music, but more than anything, being present with the people he loved.

● He was a role model, teaching his family how to balance ambition with perspective and not miss what matters.

● He was a voracious reader, whether it be dense engineering material or stories read aloud to his grandkids and great-grandkids.

● He had a sophisticated appreciation for fine red wine and knew exactly the bottle to fit the occasion.

● He was the master Belgian waffle chef, known for his legendary breakfasts at the lake.

● He had a wicked, understated sense of humor and a contagious laugh. Once it brought tears, it was impossible to stop.

● He wasn’t much for small talk, but he never missed a chance to cut a rug and belt every word to his favorite songs.

● He made a ritual of chasing sunsets, piling his family into the boat, music on, and easing out for a slow cruise. He owned that hour of the day, even when the roles reversed and his kids took to the helm.

● His toughness was unmatched, proven time and again on the ski slopes, in deer camp, and body surfing in the Gulf, especially when Cole was running the margarita machine.

● He’d give you the shirt off his back at a moment’s notice. No questions asked.

● He did not share his crème brûlée.

● He took his Papa duties seriously, hosting decades of family and holiday gatherings and traveling any distance to be there for weddings, graduations, and everything in between.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 13 years, Bonnie; his sister, Shirley; his stepson Brian (Melanie); his children, Brad (Ann), Terri (Mark) and James (Shannon); his grandchildren, James, Audrey, John, Wyatt, Hunter, Cole, Chelsea, and Alex; his step grandchildren Jacob and Meyers; and numerous great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Clara Jean; his son Keven; his stepson Christopher; his brother, Malcolm; his sisters, Marion and Katie; and his parents, Clifton and Ferris Gulsby.

Jerry was a wise and steady presence to all. Most importantly, he knew his next stop was above, where he would be reunited with those who had gone before him and waiting for the rest of us. Until then, he will be deeply missed.

He had a good life, all the way.

A private family service will be held on May 1st, 2026, at Brookside.