Gerald Walter Tait's Obituary
Gerald Walter Tait, 88, of Dallas, Texas died January 6, 2018 at his home in Dallas. Most everyone called him Jerry. Jerry was born March 19, 1929 to Fred and Isabel Tait in Billings, Montana. He married his high-school sweetheart Betty Ann Inman on September 21, 1950 in Billings, Montana. Jerry and Betty recently celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary and 72 years together. Jerry served as a Sergeant First Class in the Army in Korea as a land surveyor for the aircraft runways, some of which are still in operation. After his military service, he completed his civil engineering degree at Montana State University. Jerry then went to work in the field of oil exploration which took him and Betty on 19 moves in their first 26 years of marriage. They lived in several states, including Alaska and five memorable years in Columbia. Jerry’s career took him to six of the seven continents. He retired as a Geophysicist from Mobil Oil in 1991 after more than 35 years of service. While at Mobil, he was awarded a U.S. Patent for one of his data analysis methods. Jerry was proud of his career, but nothing compared to the love and pride he had for his wife and two sons. He was active with the boys’ activities, namely soccer and marching band. Despite all the moves, Jerry and Betty enjoyed traveling for leisure and took several interesting trips after his retirement. Jerry is survived by his wife Betty Tait of Dallas and his two sons and their wives – Andy and Rebecca Tait of Richardson, Texas and Steve and Michelle Tait of Magnolia, Texas. He is also survived by his sister Donaleen Geib of Incline Village, Nevada, brothers Kenneth Tait of Villa Park, California, and Thomas Tait of La Quinta, California. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Keith Tait of Ventura, California. Jerry also found much joy in his six grandchildren: Meredith, Eric, Eva, Laurel, Molly and Mia Tait who called him Papa or Bapa. As babies and toddlers, the grandchildren loved to sit in his lap. As they got older, they enjoyed spending time with Jerry and listening to his stories. Jerry was open with his family about how proud he was of them and how much he loved them. Jerry was known by many as a very intelligent and caring person. He could carry on a conversation with anyone. He touched many people by his desire to understand where they were from and their background. He will be sorely missed by many. The family requests memorials be made to Dallas Morning News Charities (www.dmncharities.com, (214) 346-5546), which supports local food banks and homeless shelters. A memorial service will be held in Dallas Friday, January 26th at 3:00 pm at Restland Funeral Home – Wildwood Chapel.
What’s your fondest memory of Gerald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gerald?
Share a story where Gerald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gerald you’ll never forget.
How did Gerald make you smile?