Slayton Gerald Acker Sr.

Ohatchee – A lifelong resident of Calhoun County, Gerald Acker was born in Ohatchee February 17, 1926 to his parents, T.S. and Ruth Acker, who preceded him in death. Mr. Acker passed July 3, 2016 at his home in Ohatchee, at the age of 90. He grew up on a farm in Boiling Springs, graduated from Ohatchee High School during WWII and joined the US Navy. Later he rejoined the navy for the Korean Conflict, serving in the same capacity on ships, like the USS Everglades, providing maintenance and repair to other ships. In the Navy, he learned many trades that served him well later in life. He loved his country and state.

He returned to Calhoun County after his service, working as an electrician at Ft. McClellan and wiring houses, he soon began organizing his own electrical contracting company. During that time he pursued further education attending the Alabama Technical College in Gadsden, taking classes at Jacksonville State University and the University of Alabama. He started Union Electric in 1958, he later changed to Acker Electric Company in 1962. That company grew and became one of the premier electrical contracting firms in the Southeast and it remains so today, now in the third generation still committed to the principles he established.

After WWII Mr. Acker married Ohatchee native Mary Emma Parton and started his family. Mr. Acker is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary Emma Acker; sons, Slayton, Aaron (Debbie), and Mark (Joy) Acker; daughter, Carol (Lane) McNew; grandchildren, Andrew (Heather) Acker, Anna Lee Acker (Bob) Hooper, Abigail Acker, Katie Acker (Brooks) Gallman, Daniel Acker, Jonathan Acker, Matthew McNew, Molly McNew, Sam McNew, and Ben McNew; great-grandchildren, Max Acker, Kate Acker, Ellis Hooper, and John Franklin Hooper; and sister, Emogene Acker Abbott. He loved and enjoyed his family.

While active in the business world for over 40 years, Gerald always made time to serve others in his local community, state, and nation. He served for 18 years on the Calhoun County School Board with 5 years as Chairman. He also served as a Director on many boards including the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce (Chairman in 1989), Regions Bank, Business Council of Alabama, Associated Builders and Contractors, Alabama Vocational Advisory Board, Alabama State Boards and Councils, United Cerebral Palsy and others. He was recognized by many awards including the Chamber’s Chairman’s Cup, Anniston Star’s Citizen of the Year, Kilby Industrialist of the Year, Alabama Small Business Leader, Special Achievement Award from the Small Business Administration, and numerous other honors. He has also been a part of and supported many charitable and service organizations including Forward Calhoun County, the Rotary Club, United Cerebral Palsy, United Way, Salvation Army, and the Boy Scouts.

Always an avid hunter and fisherman, he travelled to many places and enjoyed creation with his many friends. He loved life and lived it to the fullest, always enjoying it with others. His best friends know him affectionately as “Snake.”

Gerald believed in education, and was committed to helping the local schools, especially Ohatchee. His efforts and contributions have been recognized by the school’s gymnasium bearing his name. He believed in his employees and customers, always caring for and investing in both. He was very generous and believed in “giving back” to the community in many ways. Many ministries, civic organizations and churches have received his support and gifts over the years. He was a member and lifelong supported of the Ohatchee Methodist Church. Most importantly, he had faith in Jesus Christ and trusted God.

Services for Mr. Acker will be at Oak Bowery Baptist Church in Ohatchee on Thursday, July 7th at 3:00 p.m. The family will receive friends before the service at 12:30 p.m. until service time. His grandsons will be pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be James Bennett, Buddy Eiland, Bob Ingram, Bud Kitchen, Bob Propst, Al Rothwell, Howard “Mouse” Waldrep Jr., and Dr. Jim Winn. Private graveside services will follow.

Family requests in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the S. Gerald Acker Scholarship Fund at the Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation. https://www.Gadsdenstate.edu/administration/Gadsden-state-foundation.php

P.O. Box 8265 Gadsden, Al 35902