74 years old, of Ocean Springs, Miss., entered eternal life at his residence on Monday, February 4, 2008 at 4:55 pm. Gerald was born on March 13, 1933, in Herron Bay, Ala., and was a lifelong resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He loved playing the guitar, anything to do with the water, especially fishing, and was a charter boat captain. He was a member of the Biloxi Fellowship Masonic Lodge #630. He is preceded in death by his wife Robin Hunt Tapper; parents Edward and Louise Tapper; Step-mother May Campo; Brother Edward Tapper; Sister Trula Tranto; and Step-brother Joseph Campo. Gerald is survived by five daughters, Beverly (Kenneth) Massey of Big Point, Miss., Shirley (Elliott) Mallett, Ocean Springs, Miss., Donna Tapper, Biloxi, Miss., Cindy (Chet) Bock, Biloxi; and Wanda Smith also of Biloxi. One son, Gerald M. (Patricia) Tapper Jr., of Vancleave, Miss. One sister, Patsy Ramon, Biloxi, Miss. One brother, George R. (Lou) Tapper, of Success, Miss., and one step-brother Milton Campo, of Virginia. 22 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. A celebration of Gerald's life will be held in the Chapel of Coastal Funeral Home, on Wednesday, February 13, 2008, at 6:00 pm.