Gerald D. Manley

Gerald D. Manley passed away peacefully on February 20, 2023. He was born on June 27, 1942 in Philpot, Kentucky to Willie David and Mary Florence (Towery) Manley, he was the youngest of 10 children. Gerald’s siblings are Marion Alfred, Elva Hazel, David Chesley, Wilfred Glenn, Willis Leon, Donald Franklin, Nancy Marilyn, Dempsey Eugene, and Joseph Allen. After completing high school, Gerald attended Western Kentucky University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree as a pre-med major. He then volunteered with the United States Navy and completed officer training school in Athens, GA. As a supply corp officer, he was assigned to the USS Boxer and during his four years, served two tours of duty to Vietnam. After leaving the Navy, he returned to Western Kentucky University where he earned a Master’s Degree in Biology. He then enrolled into Auburn University where he earned his Doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine. Gerald first practiced veterinary medicine in Belle Glade, FL. In 1976, after contacting the Florida Veterinary Medical Association and asking where a veterinarian was really needed, he designed and built the Umatilla Animal Hospital. He was honored to serve Umatilla and the community for 42 years. While a contributor of his time to many civic and school organizations, he most enjoyed using his skill as a pilot to fly medical missions with Angel Flight Soars and Angel Flight Southeast where he was awarded Pilot of the Year multiple times. Gerald is survived by his wife, Kristin Manley; daughters Pamela Manley and Kathryn Speicher, (mother Faye Davis Manley) of Brevard County; son-in-law Jacob Speicher and grandsons Wakefield Speicher and Weston Speicher, all of Brevard County; sister Marilyn Elkins of Marion, Ohio; brother Dempsey Manley (wife Aliene) of Owensboro, KY; and brother Joseph Manley (wife Barbara) of Utica, KY. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to: Parkinsons' Foundation https://www.parkinson.org/ Gift Processing Center P.O. Box 6003 Albert Lea, MN 56007-6603 Lewy Body Dementia Association https://www.lbda.org/ 912 Killiaw Hill Road, SW Lilburn, GA 30047 Angel Flight Soars Inc. http://www.angelflightsoars.org/ 2000 Airport Road Suite 227 Dekalb Peachtree Airport Atlanta, GA 30341 Humane Society of Lake County https://www.humanelake.com/ 16435 McKinley Rd Umatilla, FL 32784 Cornerstone Hospice https://cornerstonehospice.org/ 601 Mariposa Way The Villages, FL 32162 A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023, 10:00 AM at the First Baptist Church of Umatilla. Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home of Umatilla, Florida.

Gerald D. Manley

June 27, 1942 - February 20, 2023