Gerald Chambers was one of a kind. He was born after World War II to a Rosie the Riveter and a Navy veteran of the war, his parents Norma and Riley, whose marriage lasted more than 60 years. He was raised in Indiana and graduated high school from Madison Heights High School in Anderson, Indiana. Gerald served his country after being drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War. He later married the love of his life, Marla, and moved to North Carolina. They were married 36 years and had one child, daughter Mackenzie, who recently made Gerald a grandfather with the birth of her son, Masyn.

In North Carolina he furthered his education by attending college in Stanly and Union counties. Gerald spent much of his life in the construction profession. He most recently worked for Beeson Construction, with his friend, Jerry. He had many jobs over the years. Gerald claimed to be a "Jack of all trades and a master of none". At one time he would tell people he was in the diamond business, as his work then involved maintaining little league baseball diamonds!

Gerald was an avid fisherman and enjoyed traveling with his wife, Marla, and going to see family and friends, mostly in the Eastern half of United States. However, there was a notable trip to Alaska.... He was a member of the Scale Modelers of Rowan county, who build and collect scale models and he and Marla liked to travel to the scale model shows. They also enjoyed visiting museums, parks, and aquariums in the places that they found themselves.

Gerald loved his family and friends and loved and spoiled his dogs. He even warmed up to some of the cats that Marla and Mackenzie would bring home over the years. He was a free spirit, going his own way instead of following the crowd. He had his opinions and wasn't afraid to speak his mind. He was loved by many, and ruffled a few feathers along the way. He will be truly missed.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Greg, a nephew Michael, and father-in-law Jack. He is survived by his wife, daughter, grandson and his father Zach, a brother Jeff, mother-in-law Phyllis, brother-in-law Larry, and 4 dogs and 7 cats of the home. Plus several friends that he cherished.

There will be a memorial service held 2:00 PM, Sunday, December 17, 2023, at Providence Church of God, 12474 NC -24 HWY, Locust, NC 28097.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial gifts to your favorite cancer charity. Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Chambers family.

born 3 Oct 1948   died 5 Dec 2023