Gerald was a high school basketball star at Sheffield High School. As a member of the Bulldogs he received both All-Area and All-State honors. Following graduation from Sheffield in 1971 he was signed to a basketball scholarship to the University of Montevallo. While a member of the basketball team at Montevallo Gerald continued to excel on the hardwood making the All- Southern Conference Team for four years, the NAIA All-District 27 Team and the NAIA All-American Team in 1974 and 1975. After college he went on to be a teacher, coach, and principal. His 1988 Sylacauga basketball team won the state championship.