Gerald was born on February 23rd 1930 in Bastrop, Louisiana - the first of 6 children in his family.
His parents, George and Pearline, gave birth to him in their family home, and subsequently, 5 other siblings. Gerald attended Springhill High School (Webster Parish, Louisiana) - where he was later inducted into the High school Hall of Fame - and received a scholarship to Louisiana Tech University. In college, he played football, worked and married his first wife Betty. Soon after, they gave birth to his first two children Jerlyn and Jaime.
Gerald received a degree in Petroleum Engineering, and began his career in South Texas. He later remarried and relocated to Orlando, Florida, where he continued his career in the oil industry. There, he adopted his daughter Elaine, and he and his then wife Kay gave birth to their son Gerald Jr.
Gerald is survived by brother Eugene Mardis and wife Barbara of Greenville, MS, and his daughter Jerlyn Mardis and partner David S. Merritt of Houston TX, son, Jaime Mardis and wife Tanya of Houston, Tx and daughter, Elaine Duffy and husband Tim of Lakeway, TX. He is preceded in death by his son Gerald Mardis, Junior and his wife Angie of Orlando, FL as well as siblings Brenda Mardis Braxton, Irmagene Mardis Cain, James Mardis, and Keith Mardis. Gerald also leaves behind his 7 grandchildren: Janet Kieng (Ally), TJ Duffy(Kristin), Danielle Slaughter (Jantzen), John Mardis, NicoleDuffy, Justin Mardis and Jordan Mardis, as well as 5 great-grandchildren: Rory, Kirra, Jaeger, Aria & Tres.
Gerald was passionate about his family, and always kept in touch with his siblings. He is remembered fondly for his excellent baking (especially birthday cakes), his home-grown produce, his soulful cooking, and his gentle spirit. We are delighted to know he is at home with Jesus, as well as his son Gerald Jr.
Gerald [Boppy] was a pillar in our family - a tree will be planted in his honor.
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. HE IS LIKE A TREE planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does he prospers. - Psalm 1: 1-3
There will be a celebration of life for Gerald and his younger brother Keith on August 21, 2021, in Vincennes, IN. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice or to the Salvation Army.
The family wishes to extend their thanks to the ICU staff at Baylor Scott & White (Lakeway).
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