Dr. Gerald Lynn Truesdale
Dr. Gerald L. Truesdale
August 3, 1949 - February 5, 2022 But of that day, and that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. (Mark 13:32) On February 5, 2022, Dr. Gerald Lynn Truesdale, in his stillness, heard the sweet voice of God call him home. Born in High Point, NC on August 3, 1949, he was one of six children born to Mr. Gonzalee Truesdale and Mrs. Emma Allen Truesdale. Dr. Truesdale graduated from William Penn High School in High Point and completed his post-secondary education at Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA where he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. His desire to become a physician led him to The University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine. After medical school, he completed an internship in general surgery at Emory University, and Grady Hospital, Atlanta, GA; a residency and chief residency in general surgery at the U.S. Public Health Service Hospital, New Orleans, LA; and a fellowship in plastic and reconstructive surgery at Tulane Medical Center, New Orleans, LA. For 39 years, Dr. Truesdale practiced plastic and reconstructive surgery in Greensboro, NC. During his lifetime, Dr. Truesdale received numerous honors and awards, including the Bennie Trailblazer Award from Morehouse College (2005), Doctor of Humanities degree from North Carolina A&T State University (2003), the Morehouse College Medical School Dr. Louis B. Sullivan Medallion Award (2003), and the Distinguished Services Award from Bennett College (1993). Professionally, Dr. Truesdale was a member of the American Academy of Plastic Surgery. His other affiliations included the Greensboro Men's Club, the North Carolina Association of Guardsmen, and the Sigma Pi Phi Beta Epsilon Boule Fraternity of Greensboro, NC where he served as past Sire Archon. Believing that we must lift while we climb, Dr. Truesdale was a devoted community servant and philanthropist. He served on the Board of Directors of the Greensboro Natural Science Center, Weatherspoon Arts Foundation, Greensboro Day School, the Eastern Music Festival, Board of Advisors of Greensboro College, and Gateway Research Park. From 2004-2005, he was Chair of the Board of Directors at North Carolina A&T State University. Community servanthood also extended to his spiritual life, for he always remembered from childhood that God is our refuge and our strength. He was a member of Providence Baptist Church in Greensboro, NC. Dr. Truesdale loved to travel the world as he vacationed with his family and friends on each continent except Antarctica. He was also an avid golfer. Dr. Truesdale is preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Mrs. Harriet Hoke and Reverend Annie Boyd. Dr. Truesdale is survived by his wife of 43 years, Althea Sample Truesdale, Ph.D.; son, Gerard Lynn Truesdale, J.D., Greensboro, NC; and daughter, Jessica Lynne Truesdale, M.A; Atlanta, GA. He is also survived by his brothers, Harry Truesdale (Chandra), High Point, NC, Ronald Truesdale, Greensboro, NC, Carlton Truesdale, Ph.D. (Linda), Conyers, GA; brother-in-law, Robert Sample, Jr. (Carla Morton, J.D.), Birmingham, AL; special-in-laws, Clarence Davis (Alfreda), Fairfield, AL; along with a host of nieces and nephews, their children, and grandchildren. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, there will be no visitation. Dr. Truesdale will be interred in a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution in memory of Dr. Truesdale to the Greensboro Urban Ministry. The family would like to express sincere gratitude to Dr. Hank Smith, Dr. Dalton McLean, Dr. Daniel Bensimhon, Dr. Eric Dean, and nurses, Beth Ballard and Bianca Cherry for their kind and compassionate care. The family also extends their gratefulness to special friends whose responsive support has been unforgettable: Dr. Moses Wilcox (Susan), Houston, TX; Dr. Gomez Charleston (Robin), Chicago, IL; Ms. Sybil Troullier, Birmingham, AL; Dr. Marc Nesi (Carolyn); Dr. Jewell Cooper; Attorney Joe Williams (Georgia); Mr. Curtis Richardson (Earline); and Judge Patrice Hinnant, all of Greensboro, NC. |