Gerald Masterson

PANAMA CITY, Fla. -- Gerald "Bud" Wayne Masterson, 79, of Panama City departed this world and met his Savior and Lord face to face Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015.

Bud was born April 9, 1936, to Melvin Masterson and Evelyn Morton Masterson in Alton, Illinois, and spent his childhood years in Cape Girardeau. On July 26, 1953, he married the former Melba June Nichols in Cape Girardeau.

Bud worked as a carpet installer for Rust & Martin prior to partnering with Eugene Holloway to open Holloway Floor Covering in the mid-1970s. Bud enjoyed singing praises to his Lord with his church choir, in quartets and as a soloist. His hobbies included fishing and golfing. His family was his greatest joy, and his highlight was spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bud is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Melba; four daughters, Diane (Bub) York of Cape Girardeau, Gail (Bo) Loyd of Jackson's Gap, Alabama, Catrece (Jim) Morton of Hendersonville, North Carolina, and Leana (Jeff) Neal of Chattanooga, Tennessee; a son-in-law, Dean Jenkins of Columbus, Ohio; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Leah Richardson of Cape Girardeau; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Evelyn Masterson; two brothers, Tom and Jim Masterson; a sister, Judy Hafele; and a daughter, Dr. Cathy Jenkins.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. today at St. Andrew Baptist Church in Panama City.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Benevolence Fund of St. Andrew Baptist Church.