Gerald Ray Runyan

August 28, 1933 - June 26, 2020

GERALD RAY RUNYAN was born in Avery, Texas on August 28, 1933 the son of the late Walter Ray and Mary Etta Hathaway Runyan. On July 7, 1959 he was united in marriage to Mary Purdy Littlejohn, who survives. Gerald served his country proudly in the United States Army for 3 years. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Prevention from the University of Oregon. Gerald had worked for the Beaverton Fire Department and Eugene Fire Department, both in Oregon. He later retired from Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue, where he was the Assistant Fire Marshal and Arson Inspector. Gerald was a member of First Baptist Church in Beaverton, Oregon and attended Wesley's Chapel United Methodist Church in Savannah, Tennessee. In his spare time, he enjoyed collecting and restoring antique cars, vegetable gardening, doing home improvement projects, and listening to country, bluegrass and jazz music. Gerald was loved by everyone who met him. He departed this life on Friday, June 26, 2020 in Savannah, Tennessee at the age of 86 years, 9 months and 29 days. In addition to his wife, Mary Runyan of Savannah, Tennessee, he is survived by his children, Angela Denise Runyan of Savannah, Tennessee and Steven R. Runyan of Portland, Oregon; grandchild, Christopher M. Runyan; and sisters, Barbara Perrin of Texas and Kay Runyan of Oregon. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Benjamin Runyan.