Gerald Wayne McCall was born on May 23, 1941, as the third son to John Earl and Willie Mae McCall of Thompson, Texas. Born on his father’s birthday, Gerald was a welcomed joy! Upon the early death of his father and mother, Gerald was raised by his Aunt Mrs. Ollie Mae Jones, but mainly by his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Janie Holliman Calhoun in Texas City, Texas.
After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School in Texas City, Gerald joined the United States Navy. He graduated from recruit training on November 18, 1960, at the Naval Training Center, San Diego, CA. This was the beginning of his very successful and heroic Navy career. Gerald found and married the love of his life, Margie Jackson. Through this union of 62 years, they raised their three sons; Michael, Glen, and Lance.
During Gerald’s Navy career, he served in many capacities. His expertise was his leadership abilities. His last specialty title was Recruit/Assistant Recruit Company Commander/Recruit Instructor. He completed two tours in Vietnam, where he earned a Navy Achievement Medal for Valor. During his career, he also earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with one star, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the Humanitarian Service Medal, and six Good Conduct Awards. Gerald served at several duty stations over Southern California which included San Diego, Long Beach, Miramar, and Coronado. He retired after 26 years on November 1, 1986, as an E8 Yeoman, Senior Chief Petty Officer. After his naval career, he started his second career with Civil Service and held the position of Traffic Court Judge.
Gerald received Christ in his early years and joined New Creation Church of San Diego in 1986. Affectionately known as “GW”, Gerald served as Board Chair three times and Vice Chair once. He was twice President of the Brotherhood and had a wonderful gospel singing voice, which could be heard as he sang in the choir. He loved playing golf, shooting pool, playing dominoes, and was an avid reader, writer, and poet. He also wrote several books.
Gerald was called home to be with the lord on December 12, 2023.
He was preceded in death by his parents; John and Willie Mae McCall, his son Michael McCall, and his brother John Earl McCall, Jr.
He leaves to cherish his memories his loving and devoted wife Margie McCall, sons; Glen McCall and Lance McCall (Marlynn), brother Shern McCall, grandchildren; Britainn, Ravynn, Lance Gerald (LG), and Raeanna, great-grandchild Rayden, godchildren; Marcus, Christopher and Jaimara Bethea, his nieces; Sharon McCall and Jacqueline McCall-Bazile, and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
