Gerald Eason, 81, of Savannah, and husband of Johnnie Faye Eason, died Tuesday, June 6th, 2017 at Hospice Savannah.
He was the son of the late A. D. and Minnie Eason, and the late Reuben and Clara Fields.
He was born in Evans County and lived in Savannah all his life. He graduated from Savannah High School and attended Armstrong College. He retired from the United States Department of Agriculture, Stored Products Insects Lab /A.R.S. Savannah, He worked as Biological Research Technician (Laboratory and Field). He also authored or co-authored ca. 25 scientific publications in various Entomological Journals. He also invented an insecticide vapor dispenser (1966) and received numerous honors and awards. He also worked at the Seaboard Rail Road and served as a machinist apprentice. He also had a Georgia license for insecticide application and demonstration.
He was a member of the Savannah Chapter of the American Business Clubs (Ambucs) for 47 years. He was past president of Ambucs in 1976 - 77, and 1996 - 97 and a life member of the Big Hat Club of Ambucs. He also was a member of the American Legion Post 135 and a loyal member of the Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge 1550.
He served 9 years in the 117th Air National Guard as a radar technician. He received a military nomination to attend the the first class of the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1955.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, David Gerald Eason and brothers, Caroll Eason, Sandy Eason, Charles Fields and A.D. Eason IV, his sisters, Judy Wise, Kathryn Sikes, Grace Hall and Eleanor Chastin.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Johnnie Faye Taylor Eason and two daughters, Debbie Eason and Janice Shiver and her husband Crawford Shiver. Eight grandchildren, Brian Savadge, Patrick Savadge, Ashley Shiver, Emily Shiver, Lauren Shiver, Brett Carter, Joshua Eason and Brandon Eason, one great grandchild Alex Savadge.
Also he is survived by his brothers and sisters, Ellen E. Moncrief of Bogart, GA, Mark Eason of Athens, GA, Tim Eason of Claxton, GA, Martha Jo E. Davis of Greensboro, GA, Paul Eason of Vidalia, GA., Gail E. Thaggard of Ellijay, GA, Julia Wildes of Claxton, GA., George Eason of Lizella, GA, and Linda Sikes of Collins, GA and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Friday, June 9th, 2017 from 6 to 8 pm at Baker McCullough Funeral Home - Hubert C. Baker Chapel, 7415 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, GA. The funeral service will be held Saturday, June 10th, 2017 at 2 pm Graveside at the Eason Family Cemetery in Claxton, GA. with Rev. Charles Fiveash officiating.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice Savannah, PO Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416 or Eason Chapel Church, Claxton, GA.
Pallbearers will be Brian Savadge, Patrick Savadge, Crawford Shiver, Paul Eason, Tim Eason and Wayne Eason.
Baker McCullough Funeral Home - Hubert C. Baker Chapel is in charge of arrangements.