Billy Gene Gerlach

Billy Gene Gerlach, 87, of Jonesboro, passed away Monday, August 12th at St. Bernard’s Medical Center. He was born May 28, 1932 in Holly Grove to the late Floyd E. and Alma Ables Gerlach. On February 21, 1953, Billy married Betty Jean Harrod. They were married 66 wonderful years.

He was a lifelong, self made farmer in Monroe County for over 50 years. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. After retiring, he and his wife moved to Jonesboro 15 years ago. He enjoyed growing a large garden, being outside in his shed, and visiting with his coffee friends at the mall. Billy was a former member of Holly Grove Missionary Baptist Church and a present member of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Jonesboro.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Gerlach of the home, one son, Gary Gerlach of Holly Grove; two daughters Alice Vance (David) of Jonesboro and Nanette Powell (Byron) of Edgemont; 5 grandchildren David Vance II (Erika), Shelley Teat (Ron) of Jonesboro, Kevin Gerlach of Holly Grove, Abby Tiner (Evan) of Midland, TX, and Ross Powell of Quitman; and 7 great-grandchildren Jacob Watson, Austin Vance, Averie Vance, Madelynn Teat, Emmie Teat all of Jonesboro, Kasen Tiner and Holden Tiner of Midland, TX; brother Floyd “Bully” Gerlach (Bernice) of Waynesboro, TN and many special nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by two sisters Ethel Rae Chism and Minnie Lee Parks; three brothers Kenneth Gerlach, Larry Gerlach, and infant Jerry Gerlach; and one grandson Derek Vance.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at Emerson Funeral Home.
Graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 14 at Macedonia Cemetery in Holly Grove. Brother Billy Booth and Brother Jerry Medlock will be officiating. Emerson Funeral Home of Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements. Active pallbearers will be Kevin Gerlach, Ross Powell, Jacob Watson, Austin Vance, Dan Parish, Jerry Ray Harrod, Trenton Gerlach, and Brandon Gerlach.

Honorary pallbearers include Jerry Hopper, Lance Gray, Gene Hobbs, Ron Fielder, Steve Smith and the men of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church.

The family would like to thank the wonderful nurses and doctors at St. Bernard’s Medical Center for taking such wonderful care of Billy. A special thanks to Dr. William Hurst for always going above and beyond to take special care of him.

Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 2731 Paula Drive, Jonesboro, AR 72404 or Macedonia Cemetery, P.O. Box 542, Holly Grove, AR 72069.