Gerald “Gerry” Brown Swecker, age 81, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023. A recent resident of Opelika, Alabama, he was born on June 3, 1941, in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and spent the majority of his adult years in the Hampton Roads and Williamsburg, Virginia, areas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl H. Swecker and Charlene Swecker.

He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Patricia “Patsy” Harrell Swecker, sons Collier (Amanda) Swecker of Birmingham, Alabama, and Chris (Leslie) Swecker of Wytheville, Virginia, brother Hu (Vicki) Swecker of Norfolk, Virginia, and grandchildren Julia Swecker of Birmingham, and Shaelynn, Ashlyn, Coren and Destin Swecker of Wytheville, Virginia.

He loved the Lord Jesus and was always willing to talk with anyone and share his faith and the Gospel. He was a teller of silly jokes and spooky stories, loved bike rides, traveling and could fix anything. He spent his career working at Newport News Shipbuilding for over 40 years.

A memorial service was held Jan. 28, 2023, at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to Heart for Orphans at www.heartfororphans.com.