Gerald Ellis Lasher, Jr.

Gerald Ellis Lasher, Jr., USN, Retired, 53, resident of Bloxom, VA, passed away on Thursday, November 15, 2018 at his home.  Born June 22, 1965 in Albany, NY, he was a son of the late Gerald Ellis Lasher and Sharon Stanley Lasher. 

Gerald, known as “Buddy” to his family and “Gerry” to friends, graduated from Coxsackie-Athens High School, in Coxsackie, NY, in 1984.  Soon after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and continued to serve his country for the next 20 years. His military training focused on information systems and communication systems maintenance, which ultimately led him to become an instructor in his field.  In recognition of his dedication and sacrifice, Buddy received numerous medals, awards, ribbons, and commendations over the years.  On November 30, 2004, Buddy retired from his final post at the Naval Station in Norfolk, VA, with the rank of Electronics Technician First Class.  Following retirement, he accepted a position with Lockheed Martin, now BAE Systems, working as the senior maintenance technician for all communication equipment at the Surface Combat Systems Center on Wallops Island, VA.  Over the last 11 years, Buddy has been an asset to SCSC, sharing his extensive knowledge and expertise, and more importantly, his friendship.  Buddy was an avid golfer and bowler, enjoyed fishing in his spare time, and looked forward to dinners at his favorite restaurant, Sage Diner. 

With a heart of gold and the most loving and caring soul you’ll ever know, Buddy was the kind of man who always put everyone else’s needs before his own.  Though he accomplished so much throughout his life, he was most proud of the incredible young woman he raised.  His daughter, Jordan, was the apple of his eye, and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for her.  Although we must say farewell, for now, Buddy’s memory will live on in the many lives he touched and the memories shared.  “Fair winds and following seas, Sir.  We have the watch.”   

Survivors include his daughter, Jordan LeeAnn Martin of Virginia Beach, VA; sister, Nancy Godbout and husband David of Florida; brother, George Lasher of Alabama; several nieces and nephews; and countless friends.

Funeral services, with military honors provided by his friends at SCSC, will be conducted from the chapel of the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at 3:00 p.m., with The Reverend Robert Fletcher officiating.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.  Interment, with military honors, will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Buddy’s life by making someone smile or laugh, by helping a friend in need, or simply, with a random act of kindness.

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.

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