GERALD ‘GERRY’ ERVIN TAPLEY, HOULTON – Gerald “Gerry” Ervin Tapley, 86, passed away Tuesday November 20, 2018, at Gardiner Health Care Facility. He was born June 2, 1932, in Houlton, the son of Ervin and Lucy (White) Tapley. Gerry grew up in Houlton, and attended local schools. He joined the U.S. Army and upon his discharge returned to Houlton. Gerry worked in the woods and started Gerry’s Autobody. He worked hard for many years before retiring in 1995. Even after retiring he continued to go down to the shop every day. He was a longtime member of the United Pentecostal Church of Houlton. Gerry was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who enjoyed laughing and teasing with family and friends. He is survived by a son, Randy Tapley and his wife, Jane, of Houlton; four grandchildren, Randy Tapley II of Houlton, Jared Tapley of Hodgdon, Jenny Henderson and her husband, Ben and their family, Wyatt, Abigail, Evan, Colton, all of Hodgdon; and Tara McAfee and her husband, Stephen and their daughter, Baylee, all of Hammond. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Joan Tapley; a son, Brian Tapley; a daughter, Tammy Tapley; and a sister, Donna Parent and her husband, Herbert. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Gardiner Health Care Facility for all of their care and compassion extended to Gerry. Friends may call 1 p.m. Saturday, November 24, 2018, at the United Pentecostal Church of Houlton, where a funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Vernon Sixberry officiating. Interment with military honors will take place in the spring at Evergreen Cemetery, Houlton. Those who wish to remember Gerry in a special way may make gifts in his memory payable to the United Pentecostal Church of Houlton in c/o Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park St., Houlton, ME 04730. Arrangements in care of Dunn Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.dunnfuneral.com.
