Gerald Edward Towson

The God of all glory and grace has called home and into his presence Gerald (Jerry) Towson. He was born in Dayton Ohio on June 26, 1937, to his parents, Theodore Orin Towson and Helen Elizabeth Towson, who preceded him in death, as did his sister, Wanda Anita Anderson, his first wife, Beverly Day Towson, and his daughter, Amy Day Harper. 

Jerry was the beloved husband of Virginia Louise (Lou) Towson for 42 years. He is survived by his wife, Lou; his sons and daughters, Ed Towson (Cindy) of Asheville, NC, Karin McKnight (John) of Charlotte, NC, Beth Evans (Hank), of Lake Alfred, FL, Chris Griffin of Winter Haven, FL, and Tommy Towson (Bobbie) of Lakeland, FL, and six grandchildren; Matt, Meagin, Heath, Frank, Ryan, and Amber, and five great-grandchildren; Hailey, Grayden, Jessup, Nolan, and Noah. 

Jerry graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in engineering and later earned the Professional Engineer designation while working for the Florida State Road Department and with two children at home. After graduation he became a project engineer with the State Road Department and was instrumental in the construction of the southbound span of the Sunshine Skyway bridge over Tampa Bay, completed in 1969. He went on to become the Polk County Florida County Engineer, the Polk County Florida Public Works Director, and then went on to private engineering practice, founding Towson-Rogers Engineering, Inc. in Zephyrhills, Florida. 

Always a builder, in retirement in Asheville Jerry and Lou found a love of renovating houses and beautifully renovated several together. Jerry also continued a lifelong hobby of making furniture and other woodworking. After moving to Givens Estates, Jerry became an active member of the Givens woodworking group, making Christmas toys for children and building shelving for the Givens Gerber Park library, among many projects. 

Jerry was a lifelong Sunday School and Bible study teacher, drawing on a vast library of Bible commentaries and study books to guide others through the complex interpretations and understanding of the scriptures. He also served as a Deacon in several churches in St. Petersburg and Lakeland, Florida and in Asheville, North Carolina, served on a number of church building committees, and was a faithful choir member for many years. 

A love of building and a commitment to the service of others drew Jerry to Habitat for Humanity, where he swung a hammer on building crews, repaired items in the ReStore, and served as a board member. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you help honor Jerry’s legacy with Habitat by directing memorials to them. 

The memorial service celebrating Jerry’s life will be held at the Norma Pulliam Chapel in Asbury Commons at Givens Estates at 1:30 P.M. on Sunday, March 9, 2025, with a reception to follow in the Williams Performing Arts Center in Oxford Commons at Givens Estates.