Gerald Lynn McKissack

COLUMBIA… Gerald Lynn McKissack, a resident of Columbia, Alabama, passed away Wednesday night, October 8, 2025, at a Dothan hospital. He was 78.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Haleburg Baptist Church with Reverend Bill Bond officiating. Burial will follow in the Haleburg Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.

Gerald was born in Alabama to the late George L. McKissack and Helen Carter McKissack. He attended local schools and later earned his A.A.S. Degree in Business in Florida. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and later in the National Guard for many years.

Gerald lived a full and hardworking life. In his younger years, he enjoyed racing and never missed a chance to cheer on his Alabama Crimson Tide. He loved being outdoors — whether fishing, gardening, or farming. He spent many years working in agriculture for the State of Florida, focusing on peanut production. Over the years, he also owned and operated the Shell Gas Station in Columbia, as well as owning three restaurants in town including Carol’s Restaurant.

He was a man who enjoyed good company, good food, and simple pleasures. Above all, he loved his family deeply and was proud of each of them.

In addition to his parents, Gerald was preceded in death by his sister, Janice Hartnagle.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Carol McKissack; daughter, Kimberly Lynn McKissack, and step-daughters, Renee Filson, and Amy Pace; step-son, Joshua Terry; grandson, Alex Witham, and step-grandchildren, Shaylea Rodriguez-Valles (Daniel), William Filson (Meghan), Maggie Pace, Mary Claire Pace, and Kalynn Terry; step-great grandchild, Danny Rodriquez-Valles; sisters, Adelia Griffin and Nan Blount (Bob); along with nieces, Stephanie Howell (Alan), Jennifer Benefield (Jason ), Carla Swanson and Susan Longstreth, nephew John David Hartnagle; great nieces, Conleigh Benefield, Mary Catherine Howell, Delaney Hollihan (David) and great nephews, Jalan Howell and Braydan Benefield; great-great niece, Sara Ann Hollihan.