He was born in Doddsville, MS, to Woods and Lucille Eastland, the third of four sons, and grew up in Jackson. He was a graduate of Central High School, Hinds Junior College, and Mississippi College, earning a Bachelors in Business. He went on to attend Jackson School of Law. He served in the 114th Military Police Company of the Mississippi National Guard. Gerald went on to make his career with the Mississippi State Tax Commission, where he was head of the Title Division, retiring after 36 years of service. A natural leader, he was twice elected as an Alderman for District 6 for the City of Pearl, served as president of the parent teacher organization at Pearl Upper and Lower Elementary School, and was ordained a deacon at McLaurin Heights Baptist Church. In his youth, he loved boat racing, water skiing, and fast cars, which made for many wonderful stories, which he loved to tell. Most of all, he fiercely loved his family.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Mary Craft Eastland; his children, David B. Eastland and Elizabeth Eastland Weiler; a son in law, Jonathan Weiler; a daughter in law, Jennifer Eastland; seven grandchildren, Zachary Eastland and his wife Holly Eastland, John Eastland, Thomas Eastland, Mary Clare Eastland, Andrew Eastland, Barrett Weiler, and Emry Weiler; a brother, Hal Eastland; three sisters in law, Patsy Eastland, Peggy Craft, and LaNelle Eastland; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He is predeceased by his parents, and 2 brothers, Woods Eastland Jr. and Charles Eastland.
A graveside service will be held at the Memorial Pavilion at Lakewood Memorial Park on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at 2:30 PM. Due to the current health crisis, social distancing and proper mask wearing is required. Express condolences at baldwinleepearl.com.
