He was born November 3, 1958, in Mansfield, Ohio, and graduated from Plymouth High School with the Class of 1976. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps. Most recently, he worked at the Marathon Station in Little Hocking. Spending time with his nieces and nephews was his priority and greatest joy and he enjoyed sharing his love of horses with them. Gerald lived life to the fullest and enjoyed helping people. His energetic personality, generous nature and love of his family will live forever in the hearts of those who loved him.
Gerald is survived by his mother, Loretta McClain Strong; four siblings Bobby (Liz) Strong, Rodney (Deb) Strong, Ruth (Robert) Williams and Dale Strong; many beloved nieces and nephews; and two God daughters, Kendra Beck and Tara Howell.
He is preceded in death by two sisters, Pam Strohm and Catherine Shephard; and his fiancée, Cheryl Chase.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. He will be inurned in Mansfield Memorial Park.
