Gerald's love of music has deep roots extending back to his youngest years
in Birmingham, Alabama. While his father Perry served as a Baptist minister, his mother Mary was a professional singer and regular church soloist. His whole family shared a love of music, and Gerald's own participation started early in life: he sang his first solo at nine years of age, and he began playing the organ at thirteen.

Gerald studied music at Samford University in Birmingham from 1952-1956. Following his undergraduate work, he served briefly as Choral Director at Greenville High School and then continued with a Master's in Music at University of Texas. He went on to serve as Chairman of Voice at Mississippi College for 39 years. During that time, he received a certificate in vocal science which enabled him to teach anatomy and physiology of singing. Upon retirement, Gerald went to the University of Southern Mississippi and worked as Artist in Residence in the Music Department.

In past years, Gerald served as a substitute organist and choir director
before taking on the fuller role of music director in 2012. His favorite
kinds of music are piano concert music, chamber music, and church music.

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