Alfonso "Al" Wendell Gerhardt, Jr.

Alfonso "Al" Wendell Gerhardt Jr. passed away peacefully Monday, February 3, 2014. Bigger than life in many regards, Al will be missed by family, friends, and all those who knew him. His passions included golf, historic preservation, and Georgia Tech football most of all. Al was born July 4, 1946 in Macon to the late Alfonso W. Gerhardt, Sr. and Edith H. Gerhardt. He is survived by his wife, Mary Kathryn "Kay" Gerhardt; daughter, Susan Weigand; brother, Robert H. Gerhardt (Paula); nephew, Kaiser Gerhardt; and niece, Kaci Gerhardt, all of Macon. His extended family includes his wife's nine sisters and brothers, and their families, all of whom loved him very much. He was preceded in death by his son, John Weigand. Al graduated from Lanier High School where he was a three-sport athlete and an All-State football player. He went on to play at his beloved Georgia Tech, where he played in the Gator Bowl and Orange Bowl under Bobby Dodd. After graduation, he served his country as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps in Vietnam. He returned home to open his construction company, Gerhardt Construction Company. He was a lover of historic preservation and spent his life working and living in the Intown Historic District. Al was inducted into the Macon Sports Hall of Fame for football and was recently named as the Volunteer of the Year by Family Advancement Ministries. The countless hours he gave in reconstruction of the Daybreak Homeless Center on Walnut Street is one small example of the many years of service he gave to restoration of many of Macon's historic buildings. Al led a colorful life full of friends and adventures. His latest accomplishment was winning the Super Senior Golf Championship at Healy Point Country Club. He collected vintage cars, motorcycles, and golfing buddies. Al was a man who was big in stature, but even bigger in heart. A celebration of Al's life will be held at the Gerhardt residence, 626 College Street, onTuesday, February 4 at 7:00 PM. A memorial service will be held at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, 131 Ward Street, on Wednesday, February 5, 2014 at 10:00 AM. Burial will be private at Rose Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Daybreak Center, 174 Walnut Street, Macon, GA 31201. Register online at http://www.hartsmort.com/. Hart's Mortuary and Crematory, Cherry Street, has charge of arrangements.