From Knoxnews.com:
GERARD, LEROY D. (ROY), "DADDY G" - for those close to him. Passed peacefully on the morning of December 24, 2009 after a lengthy battle with Lewy Body disease with his loved ones around him. He was an active member of Sacred Heart Cathedral and a well known architect who was active in CSI for many years.
Roy was a special man, funny, loving and kind. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Mary Katherine and Paul Gerard; daughter, Sharon Gerard and son, Matt Ledford. After attending Cleveland High School in Mississippi, he graduated from Auburn University in the School of Architecture and moved to Knoxville to work at TVA.
Roy then went into private practice with his good friend Ed Green and finally into practice at his own firm. Roy will be missed by his wife, Dianne Durand; sons, Mike Gerard, Pat Gerard, Peter Durand; daughters, Karen Gerard and Amanda Durand; daughters in law, Patricia Gerard and Diane Durand; grandchildren, Josh Durand, Ryan and Nick Gerard, Alex and Madison Blackburn, Lillian and Lucy Durand, along with his extended family and many friends.
Roy was a very special husband, father and friend.
A celebration Funeral Mass of Roy's life will be held 7:00 P.M. Monday, December 28, 2009 at Sacred Heart Cathedral with Monsignor T. Allen Humbrecht officiating. Family and friends will meet, 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at the main entrance to Calvary Cemetery for graveside service.
The family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Sacred Heart Haiti Outreach Program, 711 Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Monday at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Arrangements provided by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. www.rosmmortuary.com
