Jerry Michael Hubbard

Jerry Michael Hubbard, of Covington, Georgia, went to be with Jesus on Sunday February 28th. He was raised in Mapleton, Georgia, and was a graduate of South Cobb High School, class of 1963. During his senior year at South Cobb, he would meet the love of his life, Sandra Gail Smith, also of Mapleton, Georgia, and would marry her in March of 1963. Jerry found his place in the commercial trucking industry, where he would drive for over 42 years. During those early years, he was able to buy his own trucks, and start his own business driving as an independent contractor around the Atlanta area. He also had a love for classic cars, and had a knack for getting them to run.

His life would take a dramatic change in 1979 while working, he began to experience pain and pressure in his heart. The doctors told Jerry that his arteries were severely compromised, and that nothing could be done. Jerry was given a prognosis of less than one year to live. This diagnosis confirmed a life time fear of dying young. Jerry lost his mother due to cancer on Christmas day 1957. He often feared that his life could be cut short like his mother and was now facing a similar situation. Jerry was married at that time with two children that depended on him for support.

Jerry decided to turn his life over to the great physician, Jesus Christ. He would ask the Lord not only to save him, but to take away his fear of dying young, and to heal his body. God always does more than we can ever imagine. Through constant prayer and faith God would confirm in Jerry’s heart that he was going to live. He had a divine encounter with God that assured him that he would be healthy enough to work and provide for his family. This promise to Jerry of additional life and health was confirmed in a vision that lead him to the passage of scripture found in Romans chapter 8:28. This scripture states, “That all things work together for good, for those that love God and for those that are called according to his purposes.” This verse has been the foundation for his life in Christ and also our entire family. Through his leadership, every one of his children would be saved and find value in serving the Lord. He was very proud that the Lord would call his two boys into the Ministry. His oldest son Rev. Kenny Hubbard of Toccoa, Ga, serves as Pastor of Mount Bethel Community church, while his youngest son Rev. Joshua Hubbard of Covington, Ga serves as the Associate Pastor of New Rocky Creek Baptist Church in Mansfield, Ga. His only daughter Wendy Gerhard of Charlotte, NC, is also active in various outreach and mission minded ministries.

Jerry believed that serving the Lord was the most important part of life, that treasures in heaven are more valuable than earthly possessions. He loved serving in various ministry related roles over the years. He was a gifted Sunday school teacher and enjoyed driving bus routes to bring children to church. He enjoyed sharing his faith with others and was involved with visitation ministries at the church. Jerry knew at the time of his going to heaven that God had blessed him with over 40 additional years of life. During those forty years, he would have an additional child and enjoyed spending time with his family. What the family loved most about Jerry was his wisdom, self-sacrifice, and commitment to his family and Lord. For those who knew him best will remember his funny wise cracks and sense of humor. He was often a man of few words but when he spoke it was with purpose. He will be greatly missed by his family, but we look forward to seeing him one day in Heaven. His family is grateful to God for all His grace and mercies throughout Jerry’s life, and especially these last few months.

He was preceded in death by his parents John Thomas Hubbard, Eunice Hubbard, and Lena Hubbard; brother, Russell Hubbard; and grandson, Joshua Figge.

His memory will be cherished by his loving wife of 57 years, Sandra Gail Hubbard; and his sons, Kenneth Hubbard, Joshua Hubbard; daughter, Wendy Gerhard; son-in-law, Jonathan Gerhard; daughter-in-law, Robin Hubbard. His memory is also cherished by his grandchildren, Avery Gerhard, Bran Gerhard, Rebecca Masten, Matthew Figge, Christina Williams; and 10 great grandchildren. He will be missed by his brothers, Larry Hubbard, David Hubbard, Terry Barnes; and sisters, Denise Bell, Phyllis Lock.

A home going service will be held at New Rocky Creek Baptist Church in Mansfield Ga on Saturday March the 6th at 12:00 p.m. for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, contribution can be made to New Rocky Creek Baptist Church.

This obituary was curated with love and care by Mr. Hubbard’s family.