JESUP — Rev. Gerald Wayne “Rooster” Manning, Jr., 53 of Jesup, died Tuesday, July, 22, 2025.
The Wayne County native was the pastor of Mem orial Baptist Church and former owner of Manning Tire and Grocery in Gardi. Manning enjoyed his farm animals and ministering to not only his church family, but many in the community.
He especially loved taking care of his great niece, Stephanie Grace.
His father, Rev. Wayne Manning, Sr. preceded him in death. Manning was also preceded in death by a sister, Stephanie Manning Wainright; a nephew, Roy Michael Sapp; a great nephew, Bowen Wainwright; and his mother-in-law, Frances Lois Hall.
Survivors are his wife of 31 years, Debbie Manning of Jesup; two sons, Gerald “Trey” Wayne Manning III and Alexander “Alex” Manning; mother, Dianne Manning of Jesup; two sisters, Sheila (Donald) Brockington of Jesup and Becky (Josh) Giddens of Folkston; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins; a father-inlaw, Alex Hall.
A funeral services was held Friday, July 25, 2025 at Little Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Kipp Manning and Rev. Greg Carter officiating.
Interment followed in Little Creek Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Jake, Blake, Jon Dillon, Corbett and James Brockington, Kyle and Cole Giddens and Liston Wainwright.
Honorary pallbearers were his Memorial Baptist Church family, Darwin Lewis and Robbie Drury.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup was in charge of arrangements.
