Gerald Thompson Shrader

Gerald “Gerry” Shrader passed away to be with our Heavenly Father at Riverside Hospital on Sunday February 15, 2026, at 10am surrounded by family. Gerry was born on January 12, 1933, in Arbovale West Virginia and spent his childhood in the small logging company town of Cass. He is survived by his wife Natalie Shrader (Yorktown VA), brother Steve Shrader and wife Gwynne (Lewes MD), sister Doris Hawkins (Hanover VA), stepson Aaron Johnson and wife Kristie (Sacramento CA). Gerry was the son of Byrd Shrader and Virginia Thompson and the brother of Joanne Weisner (deceased) and Daniel Shrader (deceased). Gerry lived a successful and rewarding life full of love, joy, accomplishments and humor. As a distinguished United States Air Force Veteran, he served as a communications specialist and cryptographer handling Top Secret information for the government throughout the United States and Far East from 1952 to 1972. After his military service he pursued a successful career as a vending machine technician serving the entire Virginia Hampton Roads area. It was at that time he developed the keen desire and skill to fix and tinker with things. This carried on to his home life during retirement where he also became heavily involved with gardening (in particular vegetables) and yard work. It was only up until a few years ago that the family had to force him to stop climbing up on the roof with his leaf blower. Gerry had a huge interest in sports and baseball as a West Virginia college football and Atlanta Braves baseball fan. In addition, he had a passion for frequent trips back to Cass to spend time in the cabins and ride the Cass Scenic Railroad to the state park. Gerry also loved to read and study American history and share stories with his brother Steve. His vast collection of Civil War and WWII books and memorabilia decorate his den: “Buddy’s Mancave”. Gerry had a bulletproof ambition to travel, whether it was long road trips up to Nova Scotia, down to Cape Hatteras or flying out to California to visit his stepson and wife. He loved the scenery and fresh strawberries on the West Coast and would often say “I always liked California!” Gerry’s southern style calmness and quick-witted sense of humor became immediately apparent to anyone who had the pleasure of his company. Gerry was a devoted Christian and member of Bethel Baptist Church in Tabb Virginia for 25 years while also volunteering years of service to the community as an active Meals on Wheels participant. Gerry (Buddy) Shrader will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. “Gone from our sight, but never our memories. Gone from our touch, but never our hearts”
A celebration of life will be held at Bethel Baptist Church at 1004 Yorktown Rd, Yorktown, VA 23693 on Thursday February 26th at 1:00 pm. Donations may be made to Bethel Baptist Church for flowers and event arrangements.