Retired Sheriff Gerald D. Malcom

Retired Sheriff Gerald D. Malcom, age 84, passed away on September 13, 2025. Born on March 14, 1941, in Bostwick, GA to Demus and Josie Malcom who have preceded him in death. He moved to Oxford when he was 16 and then to the Stewart Community after meeting and marrying his wife of 52 years Catherine Jones Malcom who also preceded him in death on November 2, 2022. Along with his parents and his wife Gerald was preceded in death by his son Douglas, his brother Benny Malcom, and his sisters Jane Mc Cart and Maryann Price.

Gerald dedicated his life to serving others, first by committing himself to the National Guard, and then embarking on an impactful 30 plus year career in law enforcement. He began with the City of Covington Police Department then transitioned to the Newton County Sheriff's Office. In 1975, he was appointed to the Office of Sheriff, elected in 1976, and honorably served as Sheriff for 21 years. He was also the Civil Defense Director, skillfully managing responsibilities for several years. His legacy within the law enforcement community is characterized by integrity, diligence, and exemplary service.

Beyond his formidable career, Gerald was a beloved patriarch and steadfast pillar of the Stewart Community Church. He leaves behind a large and loving family who will miss him dearly: his devoted children, Scott Malcom (Linda), Chris Malcom (Stacey), Julie Rotanelli (Mario), and Leslie Smith (Britt); his pride and joy, grandchildren Addie (Clay), Amanda, Tanner (Liddy), Mason (Karley), Alisa (Thomas), Ashlyn, Kim (Timmy), Kelli (Russell), Travis (Lauren), Jake, Adam, Michael (Brooke), and Matthew; his sister Shirley Pippin (Dilmus); and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends who revered him.

Gerald's interests painted a picture of a man in love with life's simple pleasures: fishing, watching episodes of Gun Smoke on TV, meticulous grass cutting, baling hay, working cows, and running a saw mill. Through these interests, he taught his family the value of hard work and the importance of taking time to enjoy the fruits of one's labor.

He was the embodiment of kindness, thoughtfulness, and courage—traits that not only endeared him to those close to him but also earned him the respect of his colleagues and community. Gerald's life was a testament to his character; his actions were the epitome of service, and his legacy will endure in the hearts of all who knew him.

As Gerald D. Malcom's life is celebrated and reminisced upon, his story stands as a beacon of commitment to family, community, and service. He will be deeply missed, yet the love he spread and the lives he touched will continue as a perpetual legacy of a life well-lived.

Funeral services for Sheriff Malcom will be held at 2 o’clock Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at Stewart Community Church with Pastor Jeff Clegg and Judge Samuel D. Ozburn officiating.  Interment will follow at Stewart Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM prior to the service on Wednesday. The family welcomes flowers, or you may make a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. J.C. Harwell and Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with these arrangements. 

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