Gerald Wayne Waldrop, 84, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 13, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. He was born on April 13, 1934 to Roland and Willie Mae Waldrop. Though an only child, he enjoyed sibling-like relationships with numerous cousins. After graduating college and serving in the U.S. Army, he married Sammie Jo Newell on September 1, 1962. He was an educator, serving as both a teacher and administrator for over 30 years, the majority being at South Pontotoc Attendance Center. He was also involved in gospel music ministry, singing in various quartets and trios, including the Songsters quartet and the Keynotes trio. He was ordained as a Minister of Music at Brewer Baptist Church and served the local church his entire life, the last 45 years at Randolph Baptist Church. In addition, he led the music for hundreds of revival services at various churches. He loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and sought to serve Him faithfully through the local church, and he dearly loved his family.
Services were Saturday at Randolph Baptist Church. Officiating ministers were Bro. Gerald Finley, Dr. Rex Yancey, Dr. Tommy Vinson, and Bro. Joe Epting. Pallbearers were Billy Newell, Tommy Newell, Lake Wadelo Waldrop, Drew Waldrop, Mark Waldrop, Danny Lucius, Charles Fowler and Ricky Miller. Honorary pallbearers included the Senior Men’s Sunday School Class, Dr. Lee Greer, Dr. Jonathan Kalish, Dr. Barry Bertolet, Chris Bell, Jeanie Dale, Nathan Hale, Sam Newell, Whit Waldrop and Jack Waldrop.
Baldwin Memorial Funeral Home of Pontotoc was in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include his wife Sammie Newell Waldrop; Michael (Hope) of St. George, UT and Kevin (Janet) of San Lorenzo, CA, and grandchildren: Whit, Jack, Zoe (St. George, UT), Riley, Ali, Baylee, Macy, and Maggie (San Lorenzo, CA). He was preceded in death by his parents.