Gerald Arthur Schussler

Captain Gerald Arthur Schussler, servant of Jesus Christ, died in his sleep with his family by his side in Monroe, Georgia the morning of January 23, 2026. "Jerry" as he was known, was the son of Walter A. Schussler and Angelina Schussler, brother to Edward W. Schussler, and husband to Betty Joyce Waltman Schussler all of whom preceded him in death. Jerry was born in Cedarhurst, New York, July 4, 1934.

Jerry is survived by son Cass Schussler, grandsons Graham and Ethan Schussler, and granddaughter Katy Schussler of Virginia Beach, VA.

Jerry is survived by son Kevin Schussler, daughter-in-law Shannon Schussler, grandson Daniel Schussler, and granddaughter Rachel Schussler of Monroe, GA.

Jerry is also survived by daughter Dawn Schussler Bals, son-in-law Gordon Bals, granddaughter Aimee Bals Stigall, grandson-in-law Kevin Stigall, and granddaughters Abigail and Elise Bals of Birmingham, AL.

This "Patriot baby" born on the fourth of July, was destined to serve in the United States Military. Captain Schussler proudly served near 31 years in the US Navy. He had a successful career in the military beginning with flying rescue helicopters in the Vietnam War. Jerry served on the USS Lasalle, USS Saratoga, and USS Iwo Jima. He received numerous accommodations and medals. Finally, he finished his service at the Pentagon retiring in 1986.

In 1956, Jerry was invited on a blind group date in Mobile, AL. When the group of girls walked into the event, Jerry went up to the prettiest girl and said, "I'm your date." That prettiest girl was Betty Joyce Waltman. Jerry and Betty's romance started there and grew into an everlasting love. After living up and down the west and east coasts of the US during Jerry's service to the Navy, Jerry and Betty happily retired outside of Mobile, Alabama, Betty's hometown. Jerry worked for Teledyne Technologies inspecting airplane parts and engines. He retired from Teledyne in 1998. In 1999, Jerry built Betty her dream house on Week's Bay. Jerry lived on Bayhaven Drive for twenty -five years hosting his children and grandchildren with extended family every July 4. Jerry and Betty were faithful members of Grace Anglican Church beginning in 2009 where they served as prayer partners and Jerry helped on the finance committee and with ushering. Jerry and Betty shared just shy of fifty-eight years of marriage before Betty's death in 2019.

Finally, perhaps most importantly, Jerry was a committed Christian. Jerry joined his wife and children at a Christian church after much, much prayer. Once giving his life to Christ Jesus, Jerry's dedication was unwavering. Up to nine months before his death, Jerry would pick up hitchhikers around Fairhope and Foley and share the love of Jesus with them. His love of Jesus continues even now.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Grace Anglican Church 817 Estella Street in Fairhope, Alabama the end of June with details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Grace Anglican Church 817 Estella Street in Fairhope, AL 36532.

Central Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Gerald Arthur Schussler during this time.

(Please do not send flowers directly to the crematory.)