Joseph “Gerald” Cain, 88, of High Springs, FL went to be with his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, January 11, 2022. At the time of his passing, he was lovingly surrounded by his daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren and several of his great grandchildren. Gerald was born November 17, 1933 in Branford, FL to Henrietta “Nettie” and Joseph Cain. Their family moved to Alachua shortly thereafter where he was raised on their family farm. He grew up surrounded by his large extended family whom he greatly loved. Gerald graduated from Alachua High School in 1952 and he remained close to his graduating class throughout his life. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Germany.
After returning home, he enrolled in and graduated from the School of Pharmacy at the University of Florida in 1962. He married Jeanette “Jenny” Thomas on August 17, 1958. Upon graduating they moved to Satellite Beach, FL where he worked for Mr. Jack Eckerd in the original Eckerd’s Drug Store. He then purchased his father-in-law’s (J.W. Thomas) drug store in 1966 in High Springs, FL and opened Rimes and Cain Drugs with Gordon Rimes, which later became Cain Drugs. Gerald was ever the entrepreneur and had numerous business ventures over the years including farming, an auto parts store, a fast-food restaurant, a pig farm, a chicken farm, real estate, and day traded in the stock market as a “hobby”.
Gerald faithfully served, in many capacities, at First Baptist Church of High Springs including singing in the church choir, being a deacon, going on mission trips and teaching Sunday School to name a few. He always enjoyed spending time with his family, playing golf, Gator Football, bird hunting, reading, spending time at Horseshoe Beach, and making memories with friends and family.
Gerald is preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 44 years, Jeanette Thomas Cain. He is survived by daughters: Gina Saunders (Dean) Lakeland, Scarlett Merckel (Bill) Chuluota, Misty Welsh (Sherri) Bradenton, Sister: Pansy “Pat” Upthegrove West Palm Beach; brother: Dr. Jim Cain (Barbara) Plant City; Grandchildren: Lauren Feaster (David Jr.), Trent Saunders (Julia), Caroline Davis (Tyler), Katherine Dabbelt (Nick), Savannah Milne (Tim), Abigail and Faith Merckel, Hayden, Thomas, and Jenny Welsh, and Great Grandchildren: Charles Cooper & Wesley James Saunders, Lilian Grace Shim, David Pipkin III, Winston Cain & Evelyn Louise Feaster and Emmett James Milne.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM Monday, January 17 at First Baptist Church of High Springs, 20112 US-441, High Springs, visitation will precede the service at 1PM at the church. The Graveside Service will immediately follow at High Springs Cemetery. Dr. Ron Huggins will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to First Baptist Church of High Springs, Together By Faith, building fund. Onrealm.org/fbchighsprings/give or text 73256 to donate. For those of you who would like to attend, but are unable to do so, you can watch the livestream on fbchighsprings.org.
I have enjoyed getting to spend some time with Gerald these last few years through my son, Tyler. He was so kind with a wonderful disposition. I could see how much his family loved and honored him. He lived a truly remarkable life!
Uncle Gerald was simply, the best man I ever knew. My heart is truly broken. We had many adventures together. We crossed the Gulfstream to the Bahamas in my small boat and camped on a desert island. I flew him to Key West in my plane. He taught me how to drive in his trusty old scout. I drove it around while he sat on the roof and watched his birddog “Frank”. That dog could hunt. I will miss him greatly.
I always knew I was loved the second I stepped into his house by him, Aunt Ginny and all my cousins. Uncle Gerald was by far my favorite uncle and its probably because I felt he loved me like a son. Every time we visited High Springs I couldn’t wait to go to Uncle Gerald’s house. Whether it was swimming all day in the pool or playing with Misty, Uncle Gerald would come around and have a smile on his face and a hug. I even got the “Kin folk discount” at the drug store:-)
Later, he treated my children the same way teaching Rhett how to drive and letting the girls have a turn too. There was always a sense of peace and love around him. He wore it gracefully. I truly enjoyed every second with him. My oldest twin “Jackson Gerald” will continue his name and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of Uncle Gerald’s life.