L.D. Ralph Gearlds, Jr, age 82, of Portland, TN, passed away May 2, 2026 at his home. He was born August 18, 1943 in Nashville, TN.

Mr. Gearlds is survived by his wife of 43 years, Gail Balthrop Gearlds; his children, Chris (Katie) Augustus and Brandon (Victoria) Gearlds; his grandchildren, Marissa (Chase) Husley, Presley (Daniel) Dassow, Jeremy Gearlds, Josh Erhard, and Zach Erhard; his first great-grandchild is expected in July; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Barry (Merry) Balthrop and Troy (Sandra) Balthrop; his furry companion, Benji; as well as his niece and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his dad, LD Ralph Gearlds; his mom, Trella Hurt Gearlds; his sons, Jimmy Gearlds and Danny Gearlds; and his sister, Teresa Burnside. 

He was a member of Garretts Creek General Baptist Church. He was a United States Navy Veteran.

Funeral services for Mr. Gearlds will be conducted on Sunday, May 10, 2026 at 2PM from the chapel of Woodard Funeral Home with Bro. Ronald Huntsman, Bro. Larry Emery and Bro. Tim Shields and Randy Burnett. Interment will follow in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery with military honors. The family will receive visitors on Saturday, May 9th from 4PM till 7:30PM and again on Sunday, May 10th from 12PM till service time at 2PM at Woodard Funeral Home. 

Serving as active pallbearers will be Troy Balthorp, Barry Balthorp, Chase Husley, Daniel Dassow, Josh Erhard, Zach Erhard, Eddie Robinson and Troy Prock.

The family has entrusted Woodard Funeral Home with the care of their loved one. "Serving you as we would like to be served."