Harry “Skipper” Gerstel, Jr. passed away on November 2, 2026, at his childhood home, surrounded by his family.

Born on July 4, 1938, and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, he later moved to Arkansas, where he raised his children, eventually returning to Memphis.

Skipper was a jack of all trades and truly mastered a few. Throughout his life, he accomplished many things. He started his career as an ambulance driver, which eventually led him to become a police officer, CPR instructor, firearms marksmanship instructor, and volunteer firefighter. He owned his own business, ran a theater, took photographs, and somehow managed to juggle it all without missing a beat.

In his second career, after moving back to Memphis, he immersed himself in photography. Through his work, he was privileged to meet and become friends with many famous people, including Dolly Parton, Hank Williams Jr., Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, and Conway Twitty, among many others. He took more pictures at the Coliseum than anyone could count and became the staff photographer for the Pyramid. All of which he was very proud of.

Once he decided to retire, he enjoyed visiting flea markets and attending Bike Night at Joe’s Crab Shack, where he sold his “wares.”

He truly loved anything outdoors, including boating and traveling. One thing he especially loved was his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, along with the many trips he was able to take and the people he met along the way. And, as most of you know, he had a major love affair with his guns.

Anyone who knew Skipper knows he never met a stranger and always had a joke or two. If you know, you know.

Skipper is survived by his daughters, Debi Winfield (Jeff) and Tina DeMar (Frank); his grandchildren, Lacey Giles, Paige Smith, Brad Johnson, Clayton Johnson, and Christina Pinkard; and his eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Gerstel, Sr. and Edith Frey and grandson Anthony Johnson.

A service will be held at High Point Funeral Home in Memphis on November 7, 2026. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., with services following at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Finch Cemetery, 3797 Greene 715 County Rd, Paragould, Arkansas, at 3:00 p.m.