Charles David Gerard

Charles “Chuck” David Gerard, age 59 of Maryville, passed away on Sunday, February 13, 2022, at Blount Memorial Hospital with family and loved ones by his side. Chuck was born on May 20th ,1962 to Shirley Rucker and Charles Schoolcraft in Landstuhl Medical Center Army in Landstuhl, Germany. He accepted Christ as his Savior at age 18 and his favorite hymn was Victory in Jesus. After graduating high school, he attended Tennessee Temple for one year where he met the love of his life, Lori Ann. Chuck was a patriot who proudly served his country for 25 years in the United States Air Force. He was known for his big personality and for making you either smile or laugh. The pink polka dotted ping pong ball joke was one of his favorites. He taught his children to stand for the flag and kneel before the cross as well as to respect and thank our veterans for their service. His motto was ‘if you’re not 15 minutes early then you’re 15 minutes late!’. He loved every moment he spent with his children and grandchildren. This included sharing his love of history and military heritage, playing the toothpick game with the little ones, and going to NASCAR races with his youngest son Matthew. He will be dearly missed by all, and we look forward to seeing him in heaven. Preceded in death by his parents, Shirley Rucker and Charles Schoolcraft. Chuck is now united with his 4 unborn children and 3 unborn grandchildren. Survived by his wife of 39 years, Lori Gerard; children and grandchildren, Stephanie and Nathaniel Morales and their children, Cristiana, Jaidon, Juliana, and Caidon; Rachel and Timothy Gray and their children, Jeremiah, Mykaila, Kamryn, Ryan, Lorinn, and Charity; Josh and Nikki Gerard and their children, Ciara and Jenson; Melissa and Richie Corbett and their children, Brayden, Bentley, and Adeline; Brittany and Patrick Holt and their children, Brayden, Andrew, Mirabella, Jemma, and Brianna; Joseph and Savannah Gerard and their daughter, Margaret; Bethany and David Rains and their children, Hunter, Skyler, and Elijah; Benjamin; Jessica and Will Finch; and Matthew. Survived also by his sister Cynthia Gerard. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Gold Star Wives of America, Inc., www.goldstarwives.org. Family will receive friends from 2:30 until 3:30 PM Friday, February 18, 2022 at Smith Trinity Chapel with the Funeral Service to follow at 3:30 PM with Rev. David Hixon officiating. Family and friends will assemble at 10:00 AM for Interment Friday, February 25, 2022 at East Tennessee Veteran’s Cemetery. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCrematon.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Charles David Gerard please visit our Sympathy Store. Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. - Home goldstarwives.org To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Charles David Gerard please visit our Sympathy Store.