Dr. Gerald Light

Dr. Gerald “Gerry” Light, a beloved physician and respected member of the Valdosta, Georgia community, passed away peacefully on October 31st after a lifetime devoted to caring for others.
Born in Saskatchewan, Canada, Dr. Light fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a physician when he graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Doctor of Medicine degree in 1965. He went on to complete additional medical training at McLaren General Hospital in Flint, Michigan, and his residency at the University of Michigan. He later taught medicine at Hurley Medical Center in Flint and began his first practice at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

In 1977, Dr. Light moved to Valdosta, Georgia, where he opened a pediatrics practice and quickly became known for his exceptional dedication to his patients. Shortly after settling in Valdosta, he became the first to introduce nephrology to the area. For more than a decade, he managed both pediatric and nephrology practices before retiring from pediatrics in 1988 to focus entirely on nephrology. He continued caring for patients until his official retirement in 2018, marking nearly 50 years of devoted medical service.

Dr. Light’s life’s work was defined by generosity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to others. He approached his practice with a rare devotion—treating each person not just as a patient, but as someone deserving of his full attention and care. His dedication extended far beyond his profession; he genuinely cared about people from all walks of life and did whatever he could to help those in need.
Outside of medicine, Gerry found great joy and peace on his farm, where he raised Limousin cattle and enjoyed working with embryo bovine transfers. Even after long days at the office, he could often be found feeding his cows, finding fulfillment in the quiet rhythm of farm life.
He was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church. His faith was an important part of his life and guided him throughout his years.
Despite his demanding career, Dr. Light always made time for family and friends. He was a loving husband, stepfather, father, and grandfather who brought warmth, humor, and wisdom to every gathering. His adventurous spirit led him to explore the world and appreciate its beauty, making cherished memories across continents with those he loved most.

Dr. Light was preceded in death by his father, Harold Light and his mother, Viola Elsner Light, and his five siblings: Russell Sandburg, Arvid Sandburg, Eileen Marchuk, Jack Light, and Art Light.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Linda; his stepchildren, Jennifer Reaves (Keith) and Lee Jackson (Annie) of Valdosta, and Reid Jackson (Kelley) of Brunswick, Georgia; his daughter, Nancy Doepke (Steve) and son, James Greilich (Karen) and his cherished grandchildren Sarah Grace Reaves, Jackson Reaves, Reese Jackson, Cole Jackson, Cadence Jackson, Finn Jackson, Piper Jackson, Anne Doepke, Elizabeth Doepke, and Justin Greilich.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Washington University, memo: Department of Neurology – Laboratory of Dr. Albert (Gus) Davis. Donations may be mailed to: Washington University Attention: Department of Neurology MSC 1082-414-2555
(Leading researcher in Lewy Body Dementia)
1 Brookings Drive St. Louis, MO 63130-9989
williams.e@wustl.edu

A celebration of Dr. Light’s life will be held at McLane Funeral Home in Valdosta on Wednesday, November 5th at 2pm with visitation on Tuesday from 5pm – 7pm, where family and friends will gather to honor his memory and the profound impact he had on so many. His burial will take place following the service at Friendship Cemetery in Hahira, GA.
Dr. Light’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched—with healing hands, a generous heart, and a steadfast devotion to others.
Online condolences may be shared on the online obituary at www.mclanecares.com Carson McLane.