Gerald M. Walters, 56

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Gerald M. Walters was born in Brookfield, Wis., on Feb. 22, 1951, and was gathered into God"s hands and his waiting mother"s arms on Aug. 16, 2007, in Gainesville. Gerry was called to heaven by the angels very suddenly. He died without pain and peacefully passed on to those who were waiting to once again hold him in their arms.

Gerry had a full life. He was a graduate of Brookfield Central High School, class of 1969, and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stout in 1973.

He met the love of his life, Andrea Collins, in Rehoboth Beach, Del., June 29, 1976, on a hot summer day. Gerry and Andrea lived, worked, played and loved each other dearly for 31 years.

During those years, Gerry owned and operated his own business, Skycom Corp., beginning in 1979. He was one of the first in the cable industry to install private satellite dishes to hotels and hospitals across the United States, before cable as it is known today was available.

Recently, Gerry"s company expanded into the telecommunications industry. His company did site-acquisition tower building, leasing and management of cellular towers in Puerto Rico.

Gerry was an avid photographer. He always said that he would have loved to have been a photographer for Playboy magazine because beautiful women were so wonderful to photograph. He was extremely talented.

Gerry had two handsome sons, Justin Rand Walters, who is a prolific writer and lives in Boston with his wife Julie Allen, and Ian Chadwick Walters, who is beginning his first year in political science graduate school with aspirations of attending the University Law School.

The people he left behind include Mr. and Mrs. Donald Collins of Delaware, his in-laws; Christine and Michael Butterworth and children; Donna and Jeff Hudson and children; Corall and Jodie Williamson and children; Kevin and Amy Collins and children; a sister, Sharon A. Rogich and her husband Earl; and many nieces and nephews from Wisconsin.

Gerry"s mother passed away in April 1997 and his father passed away in April 2006.

Gerry was the most kind and giving human being. He enjoyed talking with people, listening to their adventures. He loved to have big parties at his home. So much joy showed on his face when he saw his friends having a good time.

Gerry"s viewing will be at his home, 8501 N.W. 55th Place, Gainesville, Wednesday from 6 to 9. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 9:30 a.m. Thursday at Holy Faith Catholic Church, with Father John Phillips celebrating. After Mass, all family and friends are invited to Gerry"s home to share memories and food.

Burial will be private at a later date.

Flowers and condolences can be sent to the home or to Williams-Thomas Funeral Home, 404 N. Mail St., Gainesville, FL 32610.