Kimball, Gerald M. (1920-1999)
In Recognition For: Service to His Community
Gerald M. Kimball was born in Gray on January 22, 1920 and resided there most of his life. He attended East Gray School, Hancock School, and Pennell Institute, graduating in the class of 1937. His time away from Gray was spent in the Army, first in the 40’s during World War 2 and again during the Bay of Pigs Invasion in the 60’s.
Gerald began work as a bank teller in the Gray branch of First Auburn Trust Company in 1953 and was promoted to manager in 1955. (The bank later merged with Casco Bank.) He held that position for 30 years, retiring in 1984. Most of the time he was a manager, banking was not just names and numbers on a piece of paper, it involved interaction and personally knowing the people in town. If customers could not make it in during banking hours, they were free to call him, and occasionally visit him at home. He enjoyed being a banker because it gave him an opportunity to help others.
After retiring from the bank, he became the sexton of the Gray cemetery. In addition to maintaining the grounds, he expanded the burial area, made sure the right deed lines were recorded, extended water lines, and cleaned and straightened neglected stones.
He attended the Gray Congregational Church and pumped the old organ when he was in high school. As an adult, he served the church as usher, Sunday school teacher, treasurer, trustee, choir member and summer music coordinator. He also helped with painting projects.
He loved to sing. When the Band Boosters were looking for entertainment for their show, he organized a men’s group that sang barbershop harmony.
Gerald was a member of the Pennell Alumni Association serving as president in 1939 and 1976. In 1987, he worked with Evelyn Durgin to organize a 50th reunion for their class. He was a member of the Gray Historical Society, served on the Tax Assessment Council in 1971, was President of the Gray Senior Housing and served as moderator at town meetings in 1989 & 1990.
He was the co-executor of the Mary Higgins trust fund. Graduation became a highlight of each year as he was privileged to hand the Mary Higgins Scholarship awards to graduates.
As a member of the American Legion, Gerald put flags on veterans’ graves on Memorial Day for many years . When the flags were added along Route 100 and Route 26, he also put those in place. He took his children and grandchildren with him, helping to pass on the appreciation for the freedoms we have in this nation and the price that was paid to secure that freedom.
Memorial Day parades in Gray were organized by Gerald for almost 40 years beginning in 1960. He was the marshall for many of these parades and also for Old Home Day parades and Pennell Institute’s 100th Anniversary parade.
Gerald loved his town of Gray and did whatever he could to help make it a great place to live.
Gerald died on April 26, 1999 and is buried at Gray Village Cemetery.
Sponsors: Linda Mitchell, Kevin Kimball, & Nancy Moyes (his children)
Added: 20 Oct 2015