ALMA — Gerald Glenn Salsbury

was born October 26, 1950, in Fayetteville, Ark. to Vol and Edna Salsbury.

Gerald was raised in Fayetteville, Ark., and was of the Baptist faith. He was saved and baptized at a young age at Round Mountain Baptist Church. Upon high school graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Kunsan, South Korea, and was an air traffic controller during the Vietnam War era.

Upon his return from service, he was a contractor and built many homes throughout the Fayetteville area during the mid-1970s. He would then start a business with a childhood friend and relocate his family to Van Buren, Ark. He owned and operated Waterbed Showcase and Furniture for over 35 years. He hand-crafted many of the furniture pieces sold with precision and perfectionism that can not be replicated. It brings comfort to know that some of these pieces likely still stand in homes throughout our region today.

He was very opinionated but always true to his values. He loved his country and was passionate about politics. For decades his days were filled with listening to news talk radio. He carried his portable radio from room to room and regardless of inquiries made sure everyone was well informed.

Everyone who knew Gerald would agree that he was humorous and quick-witted. He had a gift of filling the room with laughter through his storytelling, impressions, and way of seeing the world.

Above anything else on earth, he loved his family. He remained devoted to his wife for 50 years. Many of those years they worked together running the family business. His children were his source of pride and joy. He taught his family valuable lessons through his commitment, hard work, and integrity. These values were evident in his final years when he cared for his mother.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Kathryn Salsbury, of the home. His son, Gerald “Whitney” Salsbury, and wife Jenifer of Vian, Okla. His daughter, Suzzanne Salsbury, and Chris of Alma, Ark. His mother, Edna Salsbury, and brother, Bryce Salsbury, of Fayetteville, Ark. Two granddaughters, Paighton Moore and Makaya Martinez, and two great-grandsons, Mateo Martinez and Maverick Moore.

He was preceded in death by his father, Vol Salsbury.

Visitation for Gerald will be Tuesday, January 30th, 2024 at Beard’s Funeral Chapel in Fayetteville, Ark. from 5-7 p.m.

Graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 31st, 2024 at Round Mountain Cemetery.

If you are led, memorial contributions in Gerald’s memory may be made to Round Mountain Cemetery c/o Louise Wood, 953 Lake Sequoyah Drive, Fayetteville, Ark. 72701.

Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com