Gerald Leander Pauling, Sr. was born on March 19, 1940 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He was one of sixteen children born to the late and Alonzo Babe and Nellie Cora Pauling. Brother Pauling received his education in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school system, attending Kimberly Park Elementary and Atkins High School, respectively. Brother Pauling was conferred with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Winston-Salem State University in 1963. He studied for his Master of Arts Degree at A&T State University, and studied and graduated from the Carnegie School of Professional Selling Skills and Motivation in New York, NY.

Brother Pauling was employed as a fifth grade school teacher for several years in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County schools, but changed careers in 1968 to work in sales for R.J.R Nabisco. While working for R.J.R Nabisco, Brother Pauling moved around the country and resided in St. Louis, MO, Southfield, MI and Homewood, IL. He has close relatives and friends in all these cities. He retired from R.J.R Nabisco as Division Sales Manager for the Chicago, IL Market in 1993 after thirty-two and half years of service and returned home to the Winston-Salem area in 1998. Despite being “officially” retired, he worked tirelessly in the community. He returned to the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school system as substitute teacher in order to be the role model he felt the children so desperately needed.

In 1963, Brother Pauling married the love of his life, Rosetta J. Jackson. Together they raised three sons, Gerald L. Pauling, II, Esq. (Eugenia), Brian L. Pauling, CPA, CCEP (Joli) and Carlos L. Pauling, Esq. (Corie). Married nearly 50 years, and even into death, he was a shining example to all of how to love your wife as Christ loved the church. He often and regularly doted over each of his eight grandchildren, Shelby Rose, Jadon, Winston, Carson, William, Aniya, Clarke and Mason, stressing that they can be whatever they want to be with hard work and the right attitude!

Brother Pauling was an active member of all the communities in which he lived, serving at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church as a member of the Trustee Board, Laymen’s League, Sunday School, Communion (Male) Singers, and other auxiliaries. Socially he was an active member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., the Social Promoters, the Couples Club, Forsyth Tech Mentoring Group, Young Life Board, WSSU Friends of the Library Board and other community and social organizations.

Early on Monday, December 13, 2010, Gerald Leander Pauling, Sr. was called home to Glory. In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, he leaves behind five brothers - Cleotus (Mary), Veotus (Edna), Harold (Bonnie), Rayvon (Jackie) and Jaris, one sister - Constance and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews and other dear friends and relatives.

Funeral services were held at 12 Noon on Saturday, December 18, 2010 at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. Interment in Piedmont Memorial Gardens.