Gerry R. Waddell

On August 17, 1950, in Roanoke, Virginia, Gerry Rodney Waddell was born to the late Willie and Virginia Waddell.  He peacefully transitioned to his Heavenly home on May 21, 2026.

From an early age, Gerry displayed a remarkable gift for engineering and craftsmanship. Alongside his brother, Willie Rollin, he enjoyed helping their father build trains and assisting him in constructing a rare kidney-shaped inground pool in their backyard during the 1960s. These early experiences sparked a lifelong passion for building and craftsmanship.

Gerry attended the public schools of Roanoke, Virginia, and later graduated from Virginia Western College. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and received an honorable discharge after being stationed in Augsburg, Germany.

Following his military service, Gerry dedicated more than 30 years to Norfolk Southern Railroad as a Computer Software Systems Designer. His expertise and professionalism allowed him to travel throughout the country, training others in software systems design and sharing the knowledge he so deeply valued.

A devout Catholic, Gerry was a faithful member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church until his health declined. An avid motorcyclist, he treasured riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. To celebrate his 50th birthday, he embarked on a cross-country motorcycle journey and later fulfilled a lifelong dream by riding to the renowned Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota.

Gerry also found great joy in golfing with his best friend, Eddie, and others. Together, he and Eddie operated a successful tiling and flooring business that brought him tremendous joy. Gerry enjoyed learning about history and science, listening to all genres of music, his favorite Starbucks coffee, cheering for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and most of all, spending meaningful time with loved ones.

He was a 3rd Degree Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus and was also affiliated with the Masons and the Roanoke Jaycees.

Though quiet in demeanor, Gerry possessed a laugh that warmly filled every room. He was kind, generous, loyal, and deeply loving to all who knew him. Brilliant and talented, he was also a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose presence will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him.

Gerry leaves to cherish his precious memory his loving and devoted wife of fifty-five years, Mary Jo Waddell; his children, Zoie Waddell and Angela Russell (Richard); his favorite grandson, RJ; his sisters, Diann Clark (Herbert) and Gloria Jernigan (Enoch); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, the Russell family, the Johnson family, devoted caregivers, Martha Garvin and Christine, and many dear friends too numerous to mention but not forgotten.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Virginia Waddell; his brother, Willie Rollin Waddell (Muriel); and his beloved dog, Harley.

Gerry’s generosity, laughter, perseverance, and unwavering love for family and friends will be deeply missed, yet his legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Southside is serving the Family.

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