Gerald Hoyte Inman, Sr. was born on February 27, 1954 in Dillon, South Carolina. For 65 years, he lived his eternal life in a genuine, noble manner and on Thursday October 31, 2019 at 12:34 a.m. the Lord called his faithful soldier home. A true pillar of stewardship in his community, Gerald held many leadership positions including Chairman of the Board of the West Street Day Care Center in Spring Valley, NY, Commissioner for Human Rights of Rockland County and he was an earnest member of the Zoning Board in Pomona, NY. Due to his long term commitment to community service, Legislator Toney Earl of Spring Valley, NY, declared in 2019 that henceforth February 27, would be Gerald H. Inman, Sr. day. Gerald was also a subservient officer of the Pilgrim Baptist Church in Nyack, NY, where he served as an Advisor for the Youth Ushers Ministry, an usher on the Senior Ushers Ministry and also as Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

His most recognizable service initiatives were manifested through his diligent work with the Rockland County Xi Lambda Lambda Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated where Gerald was a charter and lifetime member. Of his many accomplishments as a man of Omega, in 2016 Brother Inman was nominated Rockland County’s Omega Man of the Year. Every year, Gerald and his wife Deborah were known to host annual Christmas Carols and fun filled Super Bowls in their home which created lasting memories for him and others to reflect on and enjoy for a lifetime.

A devoted Christian and loving husband, Gerald was a great role model to his children and countless other young people in his community. In 1977 Gerald graduated from the University of Maryland where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. Prior to his professional business career, Gerald was drafted to the National Football League by the San Francisco 49ers in 1977. Afterwards, with his first experience on the job market in corporate America, Gerald began working on the Corporate Bond desk at Merrill Lynch on Wall Street in New York City. His ambitious personality was keen and potent, generous in nature but also very stern and confident in demeanor. After 30 rewarding years as a successful Merrill Lynch Advisor, Gerald would continue and go on to further develop his successful business portfolio by working for and with Gary Goldberg, Proprietor/Owner of Gary Goldberg Financial Services (Montebello, NY) as a Senior Investment Consultant and later establish his own advisory company where he served as CEO/Financial Consultant of GHI, Inc.

During Gerald’s pastimes he enjoyed watching football, golfing, fishing, hunting, getting a haircut and grooming himself and going to the gym and working out at 24 Hour Fitness Health Spa. You would often see and hear him bringing up controversial conversation in the whirlpool and locker room after a 45-minute workout. Gerald did not let his sudden paralysis end his witty approach and outlook on life. Instead, he continued to mentor, encourage and prophesy from his bed after his sudden paralysis on April 15,2018. Gerald continued to seek the Lord as he fought during his affliction. He became a role model to others who admired his strong character and will as he lived and never complained during his sudden affliction. Gerald was also a longtime member of the Falcon, Gun and Rod Club (Long Eddy, NY). Gerald always brought the energy and enthusiasm to the hunting lodge that created a vibrant atmosphere of fellowship.

Gerald was very witty and loved to read, discuss and speak of the bible. He lived and fulfilled the “Great Commission” as he loved to lead others to Christ. One of Gerald’s favorite Bible verses was John 14:5-14 as he went out seeking and leading others to follow and love

Jesus Christ. Gerald also loved Gospel music. You would often find him singing and especially enjoying marching as he’d clinch his fist as if he’d gladly prepare to march up the King’s highway.

Gerald’s belief was the same as the late Eleanor Roosevelt who stated:
“Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, small minds discuss people.”
Gerald’s last request was to be remembered as,
“A DRUM MAJOR.”

Gerald’s spirit has ascended through the purple and golden doors of heaven, where he will join his parents, Clifford and Coletha Hayes-Inman, Ruby Inman McLeod, his step mother, Marie Inman, and his step father, Stephen McLeod. His mother in-law, Annie Jewel Williams, and his predeceased brothers, Joe Fred, James, Jerome and brother in-law DeRon Keith Williams.

His legacy will live on through all family, friends, and loved ones who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. Gerald leaves to treasure his affectionate and fun memories his devoted and loyal wife Deborah A. Inman of 37 years, his loving and supportive children Jasmine K. Inman (Daughter), Gerald H. Inman, Jr. (Son) and granddaughter Melodia Grace Dias Inman. His sisters: Norma (Frank Charmichael), Cuba, Lottie McCollum, Loretta (Ernest), Sherida (Prince Dunson), Kimberly (Mohammed Sillah). His Brothers: William, Julius, Bernard (Gwendolyn McLeod), Craig, Lucious, Dwayne, and Stephen (Robin McLeod), Anthony (Barbara Strong) and Levert. His loving Aunt, Ilee Inman and Uncle Woodrow Inman. His extended and loving Pilgrim Baptist Church family, a devout inspirational Pastor Rev. Dr. Willie Lee Hairston. Gerald will dearly be missed by very close and loving family, friends, coworkers, clients, neighbors, mentee’s and countless loved ones.

Until we meet again. Gerald, rest in peace to a beautiful soul that has taken his place next to the Lord in the kingdom of Heaven.

Amen.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in the memory of Gerald H. Inman, Sr. be sent to the
Youth Scholarship Fund of Pilgrim:
Pilgrim Baptist Church
80 North Franklin Street, Nyack, New York 10960
(Please, put Youth Scholarship fund in the memo line)