Rev.  Gerald Wayne "Rooster" Manning, Jr., 53, of Jesup, died Tuesday, July, 22, 2025. The Wayne County, Georgia native was the pastor of Memorial Baptist Church and former owner of Manning Tire and Grocery in Gardi. He 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 along with 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 Wayne Manning, III "Trey" 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-in-law, Alex (Mary Frances) Hall.

Funeral services will be held 11 AM Friday, July 25, 2025 at Little Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Kipp Manning and Rev. Greg Carter officiating. Interment will be in Little Creek Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Jake, Blake, Jon Dillon, Corbett and James Brockington, Kyle and Cole Giddens and Liston Wainwright.  Honorary pallbearers will be his Memorial Baptist Church family, Darwin Lewis and Robbie Drury.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 P.M., Thursday, July 24, 2025 at the Rinehart and Sons funeral home.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.