A Statesman Remembered: The Life, Faith, and Legacy of Gerald D. McCormick II
By those who knew him, Gerald McCormick was never just a politician. He was, in the truest sense of the word, a statesman—a servant leader whose life reflected conviction, character, and compassion. Those themes filled the sanctuary as friends, family, colleagues, and citizens gathered to honor his life, with former State Representative and now Senior Advisor to Gov. Bill Lee John DeBerry delivering a powerful and deeply personal funeral message that captured the heart of who Gerald McCormick truly was.
DeBerry grounded his remarks in Scripture, drawing from John 14:2, where Jesus says:
“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”
It was a reminder that Gerald’s journey of service did not end on December 11, 2025, but rather transitioned to a promised home prepared for a faithful servant. DeBerry spoke not only as a fellow lawmaker, but as a friend—one who had watched Gerald lead with humility, courage, and an unshakable moral compass.
During the service, DeBerry reflected on an old but timeless distinction: “A politician thinks about the next election. A statesman thinks about the next generation.”
Tony Thompson, son of the late U.S. Senator and actor Fred Thompson, also shared heartfelt reflections, recalling Gerald as a man of principle who understood both the weight of leadership and the responsibility that comes with it. Thompson’s words underscored the respect Gerald earned across generations and across political lines—something increasingly rare in public life.
Yet the most moving moment came at the close of the service, when Gerald’s wife Kim stood before her family, her voice trembling, tears in her eyes. Looking at her children and loved ones, she quietly said, “I just don’t know how I will get by without Gerald.” In that single sentence was the depth of a marriage, a partnership, and a love that endured even through the cruelty of ALS.
ALS is a devastating disease, but those closest to Gerald spoke of how he faced it with remarkable strength and an unwaveringly positive attitude. Even as his physical abilities declined, his spirit never did. He remained encouraging, grateful, and focused on others—a reflection of how he lived his entire life.
Born February 22, 1962, in Memphis, Tennessee, Gerald was raised in a family that believed in education, service, and integrity. A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, he went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army during the Gulf War, specializing in nuclear, biological, and chemical defense. That same sense of duty carried him into public office, where he represented Hamilton County’s 26th District in the Tennessee House of Representatives from 2005 to 2018, including service as House Majority Leader from 2011 to 2014.
After leaving elected office, Gerald continued serving Tennessee through his work with The Ingram Group, under the leadership of Tom Ingram, offering wise counsel on policy and strategy. In 2024, he was honored with the Distinguished Public Service Award by Kappa Alpha Order—recognition befitting a man whose life reflected servant leadership.
Gerald Dennis McCormick II will be remembered as a patriot, a statesman, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and a man of faith who ran his race with honor. As DeBerry reminded those gathered, because of the promise found in John 14:2, this farewell is not the end—it is a see you later.
