Gerald August Basch

Gerald "Jerry" A. Basch, age 85, passed away unexpectedly and suddenly on August 15, 2026, while taking his regular morning neighborhood walk with a friend. Born in Detroit, Michigan, on February 1, 1941, to the late August and Adeline Basch, Jerry was raised in his hometown where he attended St. Rose Catholic School and proudly served as an Raltar boy. He began a lifelong career in the grocery industry as a teenager, starting out as a bagger at a locally owned grocery store. He spent the bulk of his career at A&P/Farmer Jack, retiring after 42 years of distinguished service as an executive manager. Jerry also honorably served his country during the Vietnam era, spending two years in the United States Army as a Military Police officer, rising to the rank of Sergeant, and notably guarding Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the tumultuous Selma March. It was during his early days in the grocery business that Jerry met the love of his life, Mickey, in the produce section. The two shared an immediate connection and married just nine months later, embarking on a beautiful journey that spanned 57 wonderful years. Together, they welcomed two daughters, Debbie and Denise, living first in Detroit and buying their first home in Saint Clair Shores, Michigan. Jerry's career later led the family to Clio and eventually Novi, Michigan. Following his retirement from A&P/Farmer Jack, Jerry and Mickey built their dream home on Lake Thurmond in the Savannah Lakes community of South Carolina. There, they thrived as retirees enjoying golf, playing cards with dear friends, and boating with the Power Squadron. Ever dedicated to service, Jerry joined the Sandy Branch Volunteer Fire Department and served his community for several years as a volunteer firefighter and first responder. The couple later moved to Ooltewah, Tennessee, then settled most recently in Sharpsburg, Georgia, where they happily joined the Timberbrook community. Jerry became a friend to all there, chatting with everyone while on his daily walks. He also continued his spirit of volunteerism at Piedmont Hospital Newnan, where he made many new friends while assisting patients and their families with mobility needs. Family was the cornerstone of Jerry's life. Countless cherished memories were made together, celebrating family milestones, playing at their cottage in northern Michigan, or simply being together to play card games. He absolutely loved and adored his four grandchildren, who found their "Papa" to be a profound role model, a loving grandparent, and a wonderful hands-on playmate. He was always eager to play school, sing karaoke, give golf cart rides, or team up as secret spies. He was very proud of them all and happy to brag about them to anyone who would listen. In his downtime, Jerry truly enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, including walking, talking, working on puzzles, watching Hallmark movies and Dateline, spending pool days with family, and playing card games. Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Michaelann "Mickey" Basch; his father, August Basch; his mother, Adeline (Kujawa) Basch; and his brothers, Charles Basch and Robert Deja. He is survived by his loving daughters, Deborah (Joe) Austin and Denise (Peter) Kilcline. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Joel (Savannah) Austin, Lauren (Jelani) Austin-Dixon, Brynna Kilcline, and Tessa Kilcline, along with a host of extended family members and close friends who will miss his friendliness, jokes, and positive outlook on life. He will be remembered for his silly pranks, his ability to connect with others in friendship, laughter, or as a respected mentor, and the dedication he showed as a caregiver to Mickey later in life. A funeral Mass is planned at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Sharpsburg, Georgia, on Friday, August 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Timberbrook Clubhouse, 10 Timberview Circle, Sharpsburg, Georgia, immediately following the Mass. Inurnment will be at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia, resting beside Mickey. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be considered to a Veterans or Firefighter organization of your choice, honoring Jerry's memory and his service to his country and community. Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory, 770-253-4580

Gerald August Basch

February 1, 1941 - August 15, 2026