Gerald Edwin Mize, age 63, died in Conroe on April 22, 2012 after a lengthy illness. He was born in Berea, Kentucky on October 14, 1948, was adopted as a baby and raised in Texas. At a young age, he did bull riding with his childhood friend, Bob Bible, as his rodeo clown. Gerald proudly served his country in the US Army and the National Guard. He spent most of his life building houses and in taxidermy until he retired in 1995 following a stroke. He continued to work part time until 2002 doing maintenance and as a door greater for Living Word Church. He was a member of True Light Church with his childhood friend, Pastor Bob Bible. In his spare time, he loved to read his bible, fish and collect junk. He also loved to volunteer to help people in need. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Walker and Bertha Mize, and his sister, Donna Elliott. He is survived by his loving wife, Margie Mize; daughters, Michelle and Melissa of Texas; stepchildren, Dawn and husband Brandon and Kimberly and husband Stuart; 4 step granddaughters; 1 step grandson and 1 step great grandson, all of Michigan; a sister, Joyce Price of Shelbyville, Illinois; a brother-in-law, Cleo Elliott, of Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Woodland Manor Nursing Home and Rehabilitation, 99 Rigby Owen, Conroe, Texas 77304 for the activities of the residents. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Woodland Manor and Aurora Hospice for their loving care of Gerald.