TUNNEL HILL, Ill. — Gerald Leon Hall, Sr., aged 75, of Tunnel Hill, slipped quietly from this life at 8:40 p.m. February 10, 2006, surrounded by his family at Marion Veterans Administration Hospital, after an extended illness.
He was born September 6, 1930, to Flossie Pauline (Watson) and Noel Iber Hall in Marion. He was a 1950 graduate of Galatia High School. Upon graduation he joined the United States Marine Corps and proudly served during the Korean Conflict as an intelligence analyst.
Upon his honorable discharge from the Marines he spent nine years working at the EEI steam generating plant at Joppa, IL. On June 9th, 1956, he was married to Shirley Joann Bullock-Smith, then of Grantsburg, at the Dixon Springs Methodist Church.
In 1963 he joined the startup crew at the SIPC steam generating plant on Lake of Egypt as a auxiliary operator. In 1997 he retired from SIPC with 34 years of service as the “D” shift supervisor.
In 1974, Jerry and Joann bought Bullock’s General Store in Grantsburg. They successfully ran the store until 1981 when all the kids had left the nest and pursued the preparations for their life’s work.
Dad loved to hunt and fish and did so when he had time and was able.
Dad was a member of Fountain United Methodist Church in Marion, his home church, but regularly attended Taylor United Methodist Church near Vienna.
Gerald was an AINAD Shriner, Scottish Rite Royal Arch Mason, and a member of the Grand Order of the Sword of Bunker Hill.
Gerald is survived by his wife of 49 1/2 years, Mother-in-Law, three Brothers,  and in-laws. One son, two daughters,  two grandchildren,  two great grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends, all of whom he loved dearly.
He was preceded in death by his Mom and Dad, Noel and Pauline Hall of Benton, his father-in-law, Hillis Bullock of Grantsburg, one brother, M. Bruce Hall of Chester, and one son, John E. Smith, Jr. of Marion.
Visitation will be held at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna on Monday, February 13, 2006, from 11 AM - 1 PM with the funeral to follow immediately with Pastor Dennis Fager officiating.
Burial will be at the Vienna Fraternal Cemetery following the service.
The family will receive visitors at Mrs. Hall’s home following the services.