Marshall, Gerald “Jerry” A., 64, December 21, 2013. Calling hours are from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, January 2, at Bowers Funeral Home, Houlton, where funeral services will be held Friday at 2 p.m. Arrangements by Bowers Funeral Home, Houlton.
Gerald Alan “Jerry” Marshall, 64, born May 4, 1949, died unexpectedly in his home on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013.
Jerry was always full of funny stories and songs. If he could get you to sit still for more than a few seconds he was known to tell some slightly off-colored jokes or belt out the words to many songs such as “The Woodsmen’s Alphabet” or maybe one of his own originals which told many of his life’s experiences.
Jerry owned a piece of property in Falkville, Alabama where he resided for over 25 years. He loved wheeling and dealing in vehicles and for a time had his own used car business which he proudly called “Honest Gerald’s Used Cars” with a side note, “some used slightly more than others!” He personally financed the vehicles, putting his customers on the weekly “Sleazy payment plan”. If someone missed more than two payments without explanation, he would take his “wrecker truck” and repo the vehicle (sometimes by dark of night). Eventually he decided this business was not working very well for him since he ended up giving most of them away anyway.
Eventually he moved back to Maine due to illness and has resided for the past four years in the Houlton area. One could always spot Jerry visiting the local convenience store to purchase his lottery tickets hoping/knowing he was going to hit it rich and had great fantasies of what he would do with all the money. Most days, if the weather was good, he could be seen walking around the block in downtown Houlton, speaking to folks as he went.
Jerry loved Maine but he longed to be back in his beautiful state of Alabama where he had purchased a piece of “God’s Green Earth” and where he wanted to spend his last days. After some recent events, his sister, Elaine, gave Jerry her word that she would see to it that he got to go back home. He didn’t live long enough for that plan to come to fruition, but his family will see that his “Sweet Home Alabama” will be his final resting place.
Jerry was predeceased by his father, Joseph C. Marshall; his brother, Joseph C. Marshall, Jr.; his mother, Lillian (Sewell) Marshall Stairs; and his stepfather, Lloyd G. Stairs. Gerald is survived by his brother, Michael Marshall and his wife, Gail, of Houlton; his sister, Norma Ellis and her husband, Edwin, of Monticello and his sister, Elaine “Lainy” Webb and her husband, Charles, of Manchester, ME; his step-siblings, Gary and Glen Stairs, Gail Turner and Holly Henderson, all of the Houlton area. He also leaves behind a great friend, Randy Reeves of Ludlow who was always a constant in Jerry’s life. Whether it was day or night he would always find a way to get ahold of “Reevesy, the Double “R” to share his news or ask his opinion. Jerry is also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and comrades of the American Legion Post in Houlton.
Friends and family may visit from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2014, at Bowers Funeral Home on 10 Water St. Houlton where funeral services will be held on Friday, January 3 at 2 p.m. with Rev Randall Burns officiating. For an online guest book and to leave condolences please visit http://www.bowersfuneral .com.
