Gerald Clinton Welder, Sr.

Gerald Clinton Welder Sr. ,77, died Tuesday, March 07, 2023 at his Gulfport home with his family by his side. 

Gerald was born November 13, 1945 in Richmond, VA.  He attended Highland Springs High School.  He graduated in 1964 and was in the Air Force from 1964-1967.  He was a Sergeant and instructor teaching the instrument panel of the F4 Phantom Fighter Jet.  He was married to Dianne for 54 years as of June 02, 2022.  Gerald retired after 35 years with General Electric as a Field Service Engineer. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Clinton Welder; his mother, Deita Vivian Light Welder; his brother, David Jackson Welder (Betty) and his niece, Karen Stewart.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Dianne (Ladner)Welder; his children, Tammy Bennett (Brian), Dana Gautier and Gerald Welder Jr. (Angie); 7 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; his sisters, Phyllis Sterling (Sam) and Brenda Hathcock and many nieces and nephews. 

In his spare time, Gerald enjoyed fishing and working on his model train collection. His face would light up when pictures of his grandchildren and great grandchildren were sent to him. 

Visitation will be Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 3:00 p.m. at the Bradford-O' Keefe Funeral Home, 15452 O'Neal Rd. Gulfport, MS 39503.  Interment will be in Finley Cemetery.