Gerald Vance Baysden, age 76, passed into eternal rest in Charleston, SC, from glioblastoma on January 4, 2026. He was held by the love of his life, his wife of 46 years, Martha Reed-Baysden, as he breathed his last earthly breath, and he was lifted up throughout his illness by a multitude of friends and graduates from his beloved alma mater, The Citadel.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his brother, David Baysden; his nephew, Robert Baysden (wife, Lora Beth, and grandnieces, Paige Kayla and Emalee Elizabeth); his niece, Lauren Baysden Kender (grandnephews, Landon Alan, Andrew Joseph, and Shepherd Channing); his sister-in-law, Lynn Brown Baysden; his sister-in-law, Jenna Hall (nephew, John Thomas Espey, wife, Stacey, and grandnephew, Reed Evan); and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bruce and Hazel Askew Baysden, and his brother, Philip Bruce Baysden.
Gerald had a gift for connecting people, which was evident in all he undertook. He embraced whatever role was needed-mentor, co-worker, partner, supporter, leader, or simply dear friend. If you were his friend, you were a friend for life. He was always touching base with those he cared about. He loved to lift people up and offer help in whatever way they needed. He had a contagious smile and was full of humor. He thrived on sharing countless stories of the places he traveled and the people he met. He loved nature, fishing, traveling, and walking through fields on cold mornings with his beloved hunting dogs. He was aware of how fortunate he was and always wanted to share his good fortune with others.
After graduating from The Citadel in 1971 with a B.A. in history and completing his military service, Gerald embarked on a successful career in the banking and financial services industry, spanning 45 years of service to the Charleston and Charlotte regions. He began his employment as a financial advisor with Reynolds Securities in 1974 and rapidly progressed through executive positions with some of the nation’s top investment companies, retiring at the end of 2018 as Senior Vice President for Morgan Stanley Smith Barney.
At Morgan Stanley, Gerald guided countless families, businesses, and charitable institutions through complex financial landscapes. Heralded by clients and peers for his integrity, compassion, and work ethic, he served the complicated needs of some of the most successful families in the Southeast, earning a reputation as a respected advisor and principled leader. His strategic vision and integrity not only helped grow client portfolios but also inspired colleagues to uphold the highest standards of service and ethical conduct.
Gerald was always deeply involved in the communities he served, dedicating his time and resources to numerous civic and charitable organizations. He served as an active member, in leadership roles, or on the boards of the Mecklenburg Kiwanis Club; the Buddy Kemp Caring House in Charlotte, supporting patients and families throughout their cancer journeys; the Charlotte City Club; and the Jaycees. He was also a founding member of the Health Guidance Center Foundation in Charlotte and remained active as an ambassador for the organization from its inception in 2006.
Gerald’s passion for improving the health, opportunities, and quality of life for residents of the Carolinas was evident in all he did. Dear to his heart was his work with the Kiwanis Club to establish its Pediatric Cancer Fund, providing resources for families of children diagnosed with cancer.
This heart of gold is evident across every endeavor Gerald undertook, and fortunately for the college, The Citadel was one of the causes most dear to him. One of his proudest accomplishments at The Citadel was serving as a Summerall Guard. He served his alma mater in countless ways, including as Past President of the Charlotte Area Citadel Club, Past President of The Citadel Brigadier Foundation, and member of The Citadel Foundation Board and the “Foundation for the Future” Campaign Steering Committee, which raised in excess of $250 million to support the college’s strategic goals.
In addition to his time and talent, Gerald gave generously of his resources across all areas of campus, with a particular focus on athletics and leader development programs. He had a notable impact on establishing and sustaining TCBF’s Stand Forever athletics scholarship endowment-not only through his professional expertise guiding TCBF’s investment decisions, but also personally by supporting numerous athletics scholarships and sport-specific programs.
In 1991, he established a golf scholarship of his own, the Askew-Baysden Golf Memorial Scholarship, which he repurposed a decade later to give priority to female golfers in support of the college’s recruiting efforts during the coeducation process. When residing in North Carolina, he also provided meals and lodging for the golf team during tournaments in the Charlotte area. For their generosity, Gerald and Martha were inducted into The Citadel Legacy Society, the prestigious Society of 1842 lifetime giving society, and the Order of the Tartan, recognizing consecutive annual giving to The Citadel for 25 years or more. In recognition of Gerald’s character, he was inducted into the Kappa Alpha Order at The Citadel in May 2018.
Gerald’s dedication was unwavering. His commitment to his alma mater was a testament to his loyalty and passion for The Citadel and its core values of Honor, Duty, and Respect. His philanthropy and service to the college and to communities across the Carolinas have made a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals.
His professional achievements, community involvement, philanthropy, and dedicated service to The Citadel made him a deserving recipient of the Palmetto Medal in 2025, a fitting recognition of his outstanding contributions to his alma mater.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at J. Henry Stuhr Funeral Chapel, 232 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC. A service to celebrate Gerald’s life will be held at the Summerall Chapel on the campus of The Citadel at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, January 11, 2026, followed by interment at Magnolia Cemetery, 70 Cunnington Avenue, Charleston, SC.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Askew-Baysden Golf Memorial Scholarship Fund at The Citadel, 171 Moultrie Street, Charleston, SC; Johns Island Presbyterian Church, 2550 Bohicket Road, Johns Island, SC; or the Health Guidance Center Foundation in Charlotte, 522 Moravian Lane, Suite 203, Charlotte, NC.
The family wishes to thank the MUSC doctors and nurses for the kindness and compassion they showed towards Gerald throughout his illness