Obituary of Gerald McCann

Gerald Paul McCann, Jr., 68, of Haines City, FL, passed away on February 21, 2024, at AdventHealth Heart of Florida. Born on January 9, 1956, in Dover, Delaware, to Gerald Paul Sr. and Shirley Dianne Barr McCann.

Gerald proudly served his country for 20 years in the United States Navy, achieving the rank of ENC. His dedication was reflected in numerous decorations, including the Good Conduct Medal with 3 Stars, the National Defense Service Medal with 1 Star, the Navy Commendation Medal with 1 Star, the Navy Achievement Medal with 1 Star, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Navy Expeditionary Medal with 1 Star, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and the Battle "E" Ribbon.

After his honorable service, Gerald relocated to Florida in 2005 from California. He became a member of the Manantial de Bendición Church in Haines City, FL, and contributed his skills as an engineer at Lakeland Regional Hospital for 10 years. Later, he joined AutoZone as a customer service representative, retiring in February 2023.

Gerald found joy when he had his own encounter with God. He believed that he was chosen because when he was 6 weeks old, about to die due to a valve in his stomach that was closed, the doctor said that he would have died if his parents had waited one more day.

During his life, God has saved him many times. Beginning the list with his 4 heart attacks where doctors said they did not know how he made it off the table and why he lived. In addition to that, on his second of five strokes, doctors said he was going to be a drooler until he died but he was not.

On his first motorcycle accident, the driver hit him and ran him off the road. His bike was stuck in a ditch, when he got up, a dump truck driver got out of his truck to help him get back on the road. This man was big and told Gerald, God loves him! He rode 78 miles sore and on a broken bike.

He did not know about Jesus Christ but in the process of getting to know God’s purpose in his life, he knew his health was declining. His kidneys, heart and diabetes were not helping.

He also thanked God and prayed everyday for his son Jerry and his daughter Melissa, he wanted to share his new life and joy that he was living. Gerald was grateful for his sister Joy and Jack for helping him finish his Navy years. He always mentioned Joy, James, Julie, Ginger and Gayle, Melissa, Gerald, Isabelle, Joseph, and his grandson Gerald in his prayers, always asking God for his blessings.

Gerald knew where he was going knowing God, his saying was, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

He is preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Jay McCann and Julie Nastoga. Gerald leave behind to cherish his memory, his beloved wife, Nancy McCann; son, Gerald Paul (Vanessa) McCann, III of Woodlawn Park, CO; daughter, Melissa Snyder of Peoria, AZ; siblings, Joy McNally, James McCann, Ginger McCann and Gayle McCann; grandchildren, Isabelle Snyder, Joseph Snyder, and Gerald Paul McCann IV. He will be remembered as a devoted family man, a proud veteran, and a friendly soul who touched the lives of those around him.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL.