02/18/2026
Gerald Starling, age 89, of Daphne, Alabama went to his Heavenly Home on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. Gerald was born on October 18, 1936, in Green Cove Springs, Florida to the late Henry Lee Starling and Mary Johns Starling. He was raised in Middleburg, where he learned the value of hard work at an early age. Before the age of 14, Gerald was already working in the logging woods, and a few years later he began what would become his lifelong career in the shipyards. He served several years in Green Cove Springs as a rigger before advancing to a supervisory role in Jacksonville through his dedication and strong work ethic. On March 11, 1955, Gerald married the love of his life, Betty Clarice Glisson. Together they shared 70 beautiful years of marriage and were blessed with two precious children, four grandsons, and eight great-grandchildren. Gerald and Betty made their home in Starke and Jacksonville, Florida, where they were longtime members of Madison Street Baptist Church. In 1963, they relocated to New Orleans for new work opportunities. Gerald proudly worked at Avondale Shipyards as Manager/Supervisor of Module Translations, heavy lifts, and rigging. After many years of faithful service and dedication to his craft, he retired in 2000. A true jack of all trades, Gerald was gifted in many facets of life. Outside of work, he built two family homes with his own hands. He was light on his feet and loved to dance—enjoying square dancing, clogging, and the jitterbug for many years. He also found peace in the outdoors, with fishing being one of his favorite pastimes. In December 2013, Gerald and Betty made Alabama their forever home, building a wonderful life in Daphne. Gerald was an extraordinary man whose strength, talents, and love for his family will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Henry Starling, Jr. and Inez Klemm; and grandson, Christopher Michael Taylor.
Gerald is survived by his loving wife, Betty Clarice Glisson Starling of Daphne, AL; children, Priscilla (Mike) Taylor of Daphne, AL and Jerry (Patricia) Starling of Starke, FL; grandsons, David (Christie) Taylor, Nathan (Sarah) Taylor, and Shane Starling; great grandchildren, Emilee, Lauren, Addison, Christian, Makayla, Natalee, Tyler, and Nathan; along with several extended family members and friends.
A Celebration of Gerald’s Life will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 11:00 am at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel with Reverend Jerry Klemm officiating. Interment will follow at Kingsley Lake Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke, FL. 904-964-5757. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family’s guest book.
