Gerald David Forehand, 77, of Hiltonia, passed away January 10, 2025, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Sylvania, Georgia, to the late Edgar Earl & Audrey Evelyn Glisson Forehand.
He was a graduate of Screven County High School and attended Middle Georgia College and Georgia State College. He served as a Security Guard with the Military Police in the US Army during the Vietnam War and was the recipient of the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Gerry retired from ITT Grinnell, where he was employed as the General Manager of the Finishing Department. He then worked 18 years as a rural mail carrier for the US Postal Service. In addition to his public career, Gerry, along with his brothers Bruce and Bill and their father, Edgar, managed a family farming operation.
He loved his family and loved serving others. Gerry served as a member of the Hiltonia Town Council for 12 years and as Mayor of Hiltonia for 18 years. For many years, he served as a lay leader, led the choir, and delivered the Children’s Sermon at Hiltonia United Methodist Church. More recently, he was a founding member of the First Congregational Methodist Church in Sylvania.
Survivors include his wife, June Jones Burke Forehand, of Hiltonia; sons, Dustin Michael Forehand of Phoenixville, PA, and Ryan Derek Forehand of Hiltonia; bonus daughter and son-in-law Leigh Ann & Stanton Lee of Statesboro; bonus sons and daughters-in-law, David & Sherri Burke and Steven & Denise Burke, all of Sylvania; brothers and sisters-in-law, William Dale & Earlene Forehand and Bruce Allan and Vickie Forehand, all of Sylvania, and Timothy Grant & Allison Forehand of Barnwell, SC; grandchildren, Mason Forehand and Sadie Forehand; bonus grandchildren, Lily Howard, Lindsay and Justin Lee, Chase (Samantha) and Joel (Madyson) Collins, Gracen Burke, Caroline & DC Burke; bonus great grandchildren Coleman Frawley, Emmie Raye and Swint Collins, Noah, Oaklynn, and Briggs Collins; and a number of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Sean David Forehand.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 13, 2025 at 3:00 PM at Hiltonia Trinity Church with Re. Jay Williams, Rev. Judson Barnes, and Rev. Ralph Dixon officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service.
Honorary Pallbearers: Members of the First Congregational Methodist Church, Kenny & Jan Austin, Jerry and Nancy Jones, Dale and Janel Thompson, Bobby Mobley, Floyd Williams, Shannon Phillips, and Harold Robinson.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Methodist Church, c/o Dale Forehand, 500 Waters Station Road, Sylvania, GA 30467.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff of Ogeechee Area Hospice for their compassionate and professional care.
You may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com.
Joiner Anderson Funeral Home Screven Chapel is in charge of all arrangements.
