Gerald Ray Breeden

Gerald Ray Breeden , 79, of Dry Ridge, KY, entered his eternal home on Tuesday March 26, 2024 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center - Edgewood.  Born on Tuesday June 6, 1944, he was the son of the late Virgil and Anna Hazel Wheeler Breeden.

On January 14, 1967, he married the former Darlene Browning; she survives. After 33 years he retired from the Kentucky Department of Transportation as a Foreman.  Upon his retirement, he opened a landscaping business; for 20 years he was the owner and operator of GC Lawn Care. Having an enthusiastic “green thumb”, he had an exceptional aptitude for gardening and became very successful at it.  It brought him much joy and satisfaction providing all his neighbors and friends with fresh grown vegetables…never accepting any compensation; he especially prided himself on the hundreds of tomato plants he set out every year.  Being the lead electric guitar player with the Grant Country String Ticklers, he became a well-known and highly sought-after musician, particularly in the country/western genre; playing with the likes of Eddie Chipman, Gene York, Paul James, Bo Woodward and Darrell Brown.  He will further be remembered as an avid outdoorsman; he enjoyed working with draft horses and had a knack for instantly bonding with animals but rabbit hunting was his forte. Several years ago he was commissioned by the Governor of the State of Kentucky by being appointed to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.

His gift of giving to others will be carried on to his wife, Darlene Breeden; two sons: Chris (Ashley) Breeden of the Jonesville Community, Mike (Brandy) Breeden of Crittenden; three grandchildren, all of whom lovingly called him “Papa”, Logan Breeden, Hayden Breeden and Aaron Hunt, along with two sisters: Bonnie Joy Fogle of Williamstown, Anna Jean Sparks of Latonia and a host of loving friends and extended family.  He was preceded in death by three brothers: Virgil Breeden, Jr., Wayne Douglas Breeden and Vearl Laverne Breeden.

Visitation will be Wednesday April 3, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. at Stanley Funeral Homes – Williamstown.  Funeral services will begin at 2:00 at Rev. Howard Chipman officiating.  He will be laid to rest in the Jonesville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Gerald’s memory to: Gerald Breeden Memorial Fund, c/o Stanley Funeral Homes, P.O. Box 130, Williamstown, KY  41097.