Gerald Neal Holbrook

Gerald Holbrook, age 94, of Germantown, Tennessee, passed away on March 6, 2026. He was born on August 14, 1931, in Marked Tree, Arkansas, to the late Emmett D. Holbrook and Lillian Pearl Smith Holbrook.

Gerald moved to Memphis as a young man and entered Humes High School in the seventh grade. At just seventeen years old, he joined the United States Navy, where he served honorably before returning to complete his senior year at Humes, a school that notably counted a young Elvis Presley among its sophomores during that time. After graduation, Gerald joined Ford Motor Company, where he worked for one year before answering his country's call once more, entering the United States Army during the Korean War and serving for two years. Upon his return, Gerald rejoined Ford, where he built a distinguished 37-year career in sales and marketing. His loyalty to the company ran deep, and even in retirement, Ford called upon him for a special project that took him to nine countries, including a memorable visit to Calcutta, where he was honored to meet Mother Teresa.

While attending Memphis State College, Gerald met the love of his life, Betty Jean Kelly. The two married and shared 58 wonderful years together until her passing in 2011. Known affectionately as "Mr. Precise," Gerald prided himself on being prompt and punctual in everything he did. At the age of 51, he discovered a passion for running that would define the next three decades of his life. Over 32 years, Gerald competed in 800 races, including 17 full marathons, notably the Boston and New York Marathons, logging more than 34,000 miles. His dedication to the sport led him to serve on the Memphis Runners Track Club Board of Directors for ten years, and he was inducted into both The Legends of Memphis Running and the Memphis Amateur Sports Hall of Fame. Gerald also served on the Germantown Parks and Recreation Commission.

A faithful member of First Baptist Church of Memphis, Gerald served as a Deacon and sang in the choir, living out his Christian faith with quiet devotion.

Gerald was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Jean; his parents; his sister, Miriam Holbrook Bryant; and his brother, Donald Lowell Holbrook. He is survived by his sons, Phil Holbrook and Fred Morgan; his daughters, Ann Holbrook Jenkins, Diana Holbrook Gates, and Elizabeth Holbrook Lyles; sister, Carolyn Jones; along with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Avenue on Wednesday, March 11 at 12:00 PM. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM, at the funeral home. Burial will occur at a later date, where Gerald will be laid to rest with Betty Jean at the West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery on Forest Hill-Irene Road.

Gerald will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be directed to The Wounded Warriors Project.