by LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Joseph Gregory Gerard, a long-time government affairs executive with the former American Furniture Manufacturers Association, died April 29. He was 85.
He was born in Little Rock on Oct. 16, 1939, the son of Marguerite Griffith Gerard and Joseph George Gerard.
After attending Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas, he ran the Gerard Cattle Ranch on the Saline River in Central Arkansas for about 10 years. “His love for the land was evident in the way he managed the ranch, cultivating not just cattle, but a sense of community and family,” his obituary read.
He began his legal career in 1975 after he received a Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas and began working as a staff member for Arkansas’ senior U.S. Sen. John McClellan in Washington, D.C. Following McClellan’s passing, he stayed in the Washington government affairs office of Ford Motor Company as a legislative associate.
He then became vice president of government affairs for the AFMA, a role he held for 20 years.
He married Gail Huckabay in 1982 and they lived for 20 years in Bethesda, Maryland, “where they led active lives with travel, golf trips, and enjoying all Washington had to offer. Joe and Gail always welcomed visits from family and friends to their home on Abingdon Road.”
He retired in 2000 and the couple returned to his native Arkansas.
“Known for his signature bow ties, Joe had a flair for style that matched his vibrant personality,” his obituary read. “He approached life with an infectious enthusiasm, never missing an opportunity to express his love and appreciation to his family and friends, leaving a lasting impact.”
He was preceded in death by his parents and step mother, sister, Ann Somers (Jack), brothers William Gerard (Louise) and Charles Morten (Winnie).
He is survived by his wife, Gail, two daughters, Jennifer Griffith Gerard (James) and Jill Bradley Jones (J); two step children, Layne Keenan and Michael Huckabay (Kathryn) and eight grandchildren: Huck, Samantha, Sam, Natalie, Emma, Sylvia, Jack, and Zoe.
A service celebrating Joe’s life was held at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral on May 13. The family requests memorials be made to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 310 West 17th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72206.
