Gerald L Harrill

Gerald Harrill of Shamong, New Jersey, passed away on October 28, 2024 after a brief illness. He was 83 years old. Gerald was born in Quinlan, Texas to William Harrill and Ollie (McDaniel) Harrill on September 5th, 1941, both who preceded him in death. He is survived by the wife he adored through 60 years of marriage, E. Inez (Webb) Harrill of Shamong; two children, Galen (Zlatka Kovacova) Harrill of Manheim, PA; Nawana Ceraso (Anthony) of Brooklawn, NJ; five grandchildren, Moriah Swenson (Collin); Hannah Battles (Dante); Shiloh Harrill; Isabella Harrill; and Adelle Harrill; and one great-grandchild, Joshua Swenson. From the age of three, Gerald was raised at Boles Children’s Home in Quinlan, Texas, a place Gerald credited for his strong Christian faith. He attended Abilene Christian University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in education. He married Inez in 1964, having met at Camp Shiloh the previous year while working with inner-city kids. In the fall of 1964, Gerald began his 37-year teaching career at the Tabernacle Township school district in Tabernacle, NJ. After retiring, he continued to work in education as a substitute teacher in Tabernacle, Shamong, and with the Lenape Regional School High School District, particularly at Seneca High School in Tabernacle. It is safe to say there is almost no one in Tabernacle between the ages of 15 and 60 that Gerald did not teach. His way with junior and senior high-age kids is baked into the lore of the community and while they will long remember ‘frayed knots, Texas flyswatters, and “questions, comments, Ajax,” his real legacy is the education they received both in curricular content and character development. He brought out the best in each student and many thought of him as the only Dallas Cowboy fan they not only liked, but loved. Underpinning every aspect of his life, however, was his faith, believing he had a charge to keep for as long as he lived. He was a dedicated member of the Tabernacle Church of Christ, serving in whatever capacity needed with humility, humor, and commitment, and making every visitor feel welcome. He will be missed until we all meet again.

Gerald felt a debt of gratitude for the opportunities he received and believed passionately in investing in children. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests honoring Gerald by making a donation to either Arms of Hope which oversees Boles Home at Arms of Hope , 21300 St. Hwy. 16 North, Medina, TX 78055 or Camp Manatawny, in Douglassville, PA at Camp Manatawny, 33 Camp Road, Douglasville, PA  19518.

Visitation will be on Friday, November 1 from 6PM to 8PM and Saturday, November 2 from 10AM to 11AM at the Tabernacle Church of Christ, 160 Carranza Road. Services will also be held at the Tabernacle Church of Christ, Saturday, November 2, starting at 11:00 AM. Interment is at the Pinelands Memorial Park in Shamong and will be for family only.  

(BradleyStow.com)

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