Gerry Clarence Plourde

Gerry C. Plourde was born in Edmunston New Brunswick, Canada to the late Emile A. Plourde and Claire Blanchette. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1987.  He was a veteran of the United States Army with 20 years of service, serving from 1964 to 1984.  He is also a Vietnam veteran, serving two tours with the 1st Signal Brigade.  After retiring from the Army, he began a second and third career working for Austin Peay State University and later the City of Clarksville, Tennessee where he retired for a second time in 2016.

Gerry loved telling stories about his family and his great adventures while serving in the Army.  He knew no strangers and would strike up a conversation with anyone who was willing, especially if it allowed him to show off his ability to speak French.  He had the most stunning blue eyes and no matter where he went it was a guarantee that someone would complement him, giving him another opportunity to carry on a conversation. 

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Brooksie Plourde of Athens, AL; brothers Gilles Plourde (Rinnette) and Daniel Plourde (JoAnna); daughter Ingrid Plourde, and several nieces and a nephew who reside in Edmunston, N.B. Canada; daughter Melissa Ford (Aaron) of Madison AL, Christina Waynick of Clarksville TN, and son Dennis Blaum (Mindy) of Clarksville, TN. He is preceded in death by his daughter Tammy Blaum.

He was the proud papa of fifteen grandchildren;  Brandon Doss (Staci), Meghan Williams, Meleah Robinson, Ashley Newman, Andrew Blaum (Christina), Terri Cook, Kennyth Blaum, Dennis Blaum Jr., Brianna Blaum, Brooklynn Blaum, Tifton Blaum, Trevor Blaum, Edmond Stacey, Bryan Waynick, and Robert Newman. He also has twelve great-grandchildren.