Gerald "Jerry" Thomas Bird

Jerry was born in Fredericksburg, VA, on March 7, 1934, to Mary and James Bird. The youngest of 6 children, Jerry led a childhood full of adventure and a few shenanigans. His siblings were his greatest friends and tales of their exploits were vast and possibly a little exaggerated. Jerry’s high school experience was one that set the stage as to how he would approach the rest of his life. His athletic abilities were exemplary, as he won first place in the State Championship finals for High Jump, Broad Jump and the 880 Relay. Nicknamed the “Bird in Flight” and “High Flying Jerry Bird”, he also lettered in track, football, basketball, and baseball. He was a member of the Key Club, Glee Club, and was voted as the senior male with the most personality. Upon graduating from James Monroe High School, Jerry went to Murray State College in Kentucky for a year where he studied playing “bridge.”

Jerry soon moved to Memphis where he got a job at Standard Parts. During this time, he was introduced to the lovely Gwen McClintock. They were married for almost 62 years. Together they had three children, Kimberly, Randall, and Madison.

Shortly after marrying Gwen, Jerry returned to college, this time more seriously, to study history. Upon graduation from Memphis State, he began a career as a high school history teacher at Messick High School. With Jerry’s love of sports, it was a natural progression for him to add coaching to his schedule. He coached Messick’s award winning golf team and then coached a Pee Wee football team. Jerry then moved into the role of high school counselor at Messick. During this time, he again focused on his education and obtained his Masters in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Alabama.

Two years into teaching, Jerry was approached by a friend working at Memphis State. He was invited to apply for a position in the financial aid office. This invitation would lead to an exciting and inspirational career fighting to provide students access to higher education. During 35 years in financial aid, Jerry served as the President of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), president of the Southern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (SASFAA) and various other positions in both Alabama and North Carolina. Jerry’s work in financial aid not only impacted the students at his institutions (Memphis State, the University of North Carolina Charlotte, the University of Alabama Birmingham, and the University of South Carolina) but to those nationwide as he fought to change policies regarding financial aid. He briefly stepped away from the aid office to work for the College Board where he worked with aid offices to improve processes and services to student. Jerry’s influence on the financial aid community was vast and many in the profession count him as a mentor, advisor, teacher, and friend.

Jerry was equally dedicated to service outside of his profession. He was an active member of Calvary Methodist, St. Luke UMC, Huffman UMC and Snellville UMC by serving on various committees and as a Sunday school teacher. He and Gwen led a life of service together. Their love of their Sunday School class gifted them with many great friends. They lived as a team who believed that service to others was a gift to be given freely. No greater example of that was Jerry’s involvement in a group started to help a grieving friend. This group, the Romeos (Retired Old Men Eating Out) would become a vital part in Jerry’s life after retirement. Together with his close friends, they performed many services to those in need in the community. The friendships he developed in the ROMEOs and his Sunday School class would help carry him through his final years.

One of the many ways Jerry and Gwen showed their love for others was through food. He was known for baking Hershey cake, yeast rolls, waffles, French toast and most especially pancakes. He enjoyed teaching the men in his Sunday school class how to make rolls for their wives. He was a jack of all trades. He never hesitated to cook, clean, or learn to fix anything that was broken.

Jerry’s greatest love was his family. He was a loving and dedicated husband and father. He was the type of father that would not just pick you up when you fell but would sit on the ground with you first to understand what you needed before he picked you up. He would participate in every event his children undertook, from soccer to band to bike riding to cheerleading, even if he did not understand it. He was a great tutor to his children in Geometry even though his experience in high school with math was less than stellar. His sense of humor was wide and booming. He was quick with a smile, a hug or just words of encouragement. As a grandfather to Tommy and Haley, he was smitten. He could not talk about either of them without smiling. Their connection was exemplary, and he took great pride in their accomplishments.

Jerry is proceeded in death by his mother Mary, sisters Betty and Judy, and brothers Raymond, Bill and Johnny. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Gwen, children, Kimberly Jordan (Matt), Randall (Debra) and Madison, grandson Tommy (Thomas Jordan), granddaughter Haley, Goddaughter, Kelly, and many special nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at Snellville United Methodist Church on Sunday, April 30, 2023, at 2:00 pm. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either Snellville United Methodist Church or the Southeastern Gwinnett Co-Op.

Please share a memory or condolence with the Bird Family at www.nationalcremation.com/location/Atlanta