Gerald Alan Whitsett, beloved son of the late Cora Lee Whitsett and Johnny Frank Mackey, was born in Leesburg, Georgia on March 5, 1967.

He was educated in the Lee County School System, graduating from Lee County High School in 1985.   Gerald was proud to be a Trojan and remained committed to his alma mater through the years.

From a very early age, Gerald was taught to love and reverence God.  He united with Wooden Grove Baptist Church where his gifts of kindness and compassion could be felt by everyone in his midst.  Gerald dearly loved the Lord and he "let his light shine" in his daily walk.

Gerald was united in marriage to Ronda Cooper.  Their union was blessed with two children, Aniqua and Amiya.  He strongly believed in unconditional love and offered much time and attention to the daily lives of his family.

Obtaining employment for Gerald was never a problem, as he was a very determined, conscientious, and persistent individual who was no stranger to hard work.  He began his career at Lee County Manufacturing Company where he worked tirelessly until the plant's closing.  He then accepted employment with Metalux Lighting Company in Americus, Georgia.  In later years, he was employed as a Technician with Bell South (AT&T).  In each work setting, Gerald was a stellar employee with unmatched work ethics and drive.

Endearingly known as "Garry" by many, Gerald had a big heart and nurtured relationships with people that remain to this day his life-long friends—especially his childhood buddies, Roosevelt Robinson, Willie James Terry, and Sam Stokes.  Garry was full of life, love, and kindness; always displayed a cheerful smile; never met a stranger; and a great conversationalist who always parted with the words "love you Cuz."  To know him was to dearly love him!  In his leisure, he enjoyed sports, music, and cookouts with family and friends.

On June 12, 2025, Gerald transitioned from this earthly life to eternal rest and peace.  In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by one brother, Russell Mackey

Cherished memories will forever remain with his long-time companion, Evangela Dawsey; his children, Vashun Nickens, Aniqua Whitsett, Amiya Whitsett (Laborris), Jayden Lockett, Amir Whitsett, and Chelsea Sheppard; children-in-love, Angel Murphy (Brent) and Christina Jones; siblings, Tosha Whitsett, Cassandra McAfee, Patricia Byrd, Anthony Mackey (Vantressa), Jontan Mackey (Martha), Thomas Whitsett (Cheryl), Richard Byrd, and Gerald Sibley; grandchildren, Cali Kennedy, Makaylah Johnson, Patience Buchannan, Khloe Hanes, Zion Terrell, Zahmire Nickens, Zakari Pierce, and Zy'Aire Pierce; devoted niece, Shadonna Whitsett; special cousins, Tomico Prince (Larry) and Belinda Cladd (Reginald); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.