Gerald Sullivan M.D.

1937 - 2025

Born in Lexington, Kentucky, on November 22, 1937, Gerald E. Sullivan, "Jerry," graduated from Lexington Catholic High School. He is an alumnus of the University of Kentucky, graduating with honors and induction into Phi Beta Kappa. While there, he met his wife, Joy Sue Blevins Sullivan, and they were married for 50 years.

They moved to Nashville, and he earned his medical degree from Vanderbilt University, where he was recognized for his exceptional academic achievements as a member of Alpha Omega Alpha, the National Medical Honor Society. As a Navy officer and flight surgeon, Jerry, his wife and two small sons, lived on naval bases in Florida and California. The family lived briefly in Indianapolis, as he completed his residency in ophthalmology.

They settled in Bowling Green in 1969, and established a medical practice, working next door to friend and colleague, Chuck Smith. The Sullivans were active in the community, giving of their time, talents, and treasure to St. Joseph's parish and school. Jerry coached Little League baseball for nearly three decades. His love of baseball began early in Lexington, where he eventually pitched at U.K. He was the oldest son of Gerald and Margaret Sullivan. His brother, John Patrick, "Pat," Sullivan passed from this life in 2021. He is survived by his younger sister, Angela Sullivan Anderson, of Alpharetta, Georgia.

He is also survived by his oldest son, Gerald Eugene Sullivan II, married to Sara Cohron Sullivan, of Cumming, Georgia; his son Ralph Thomas, "Tom," Sullivan, of Bowling Green, Kentucky; and by three grandchildren, Elsie Margaret, "Maggie," Sullivan of Denver, Colorado; Joy Elizabeth, "Joybeth," Sullivan of Atlanta, Georgia; and Gerald Eugene, "Jay," Sullivan III, of Cumming, Georgia; six nieces and nephews. To this day, Jerry and Joy have left a legacy of animal advocates and lovers, with dozens of rescue dogs and cats in the family.

A funeral mass will be at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, August 30th, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, located at 434 Church Ave. All are welcome.