Gerald (Jerry) Keith Eure, Ed.D (January 18th, 1934 – March 26th, 2026)

Gerald (Jerry) Keith Eure, Ed.D, died on March 26, 2026, at age 92.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 on Tuesday, March 31, at First United Methodist Church of Tuscaloosa, with a reception following. The service will be conducted by Dr. Ken Dunivant and Reverend Robin Wilson. Burial with immediate family will precede the service at Sunset Funeral Home in the Veteran garden.

Dr. Eure is survived by his wife of 64 years, Elizabeth Jane Eure and three sons: Gerald Keith Eure (Cindy) of Hoover, AL; Stephen Taylor Eure (Ava) of Northport, AL and Timothy Clifton Eure(Tina) of Northport, AL; three grandchildren Daniel Eure (Caroline) of Madison, AL; Amanda Stamm (Tyler) of Nashville, TN, and Jennifer Pickle(James) of Leeds, AL and one great granddaughter, Olivia Schrencongost of Leeds. Other survivors include many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Morris Eure of Forest, MS, and his brother Donald Ray Eure of Senatobia, MS.

Dr. Eure was born on January 18, 1934, in Vernon, Texas. He grew up in Forest, MS, and graduated from high school there. He attended East Central Junior College in Decatur, MS, where he earned his Associate of Arts degree. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War from September 1953 to September 1955. He then achieved his B.A. degree from Mississippi College in Clinton, MS; his Master of Social Work Degree from Tulane University, and his Doctor of Education degree from the University of Alabama.

His career included Child Welfare work with the Mississippi Dept of Public Welfare, where he served in several capacities, including district supervisor. He was the founder and executive director of the Family Counseling Agency in Huntsville, AL and worked in that capacity for seven years. He came to the University of Alabama School of Social Work in 1968 as a member of the first group of professors after the school was created by legislative action. He served in many positions while at the school, including Director of Field Education and Director of the BSW program.

Dr. Eure was well known for his compassion and his concern for students and was sought out by many for his kind listening and his skillful advice. He was held in high regard for his integrity and moral values.

While at the university, he received many awards and honors, which were the result of the respect and esteem with which he was regarded by both students and fellow faculty. He received the Jean B. Rayfield award in 1990 and 1995 in recognition of outstanding contributions to students and dedication to promoting student well-being. He was inducted into Phi Alpha Honor Society and received the Frank R. Egan Award for Outstanding representation of Phi Alpha ideals. In 1996, he was awarded the Howard B. Gundy award, given in recognition and appreciation for distinguished service to the faculty, staff, students, School of Social Work, and to the profession of social work. He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement award by the Alabama Conference of Social Work in Feb 2007. Upon his retirement, he was awarded the distinction of Professor Emeritus. In August of 2012, he was inducted into the Alabama Social Work Hall of Fame in recognition of his many contributions to the field and practice of social work and service to his community. Many social agencies in Alabama have been staffed or directed by his former students.

Dr. Eure was a loyal fan of UA sports, including football and gymnastics. He and his wife were privileged to travel extensively through the years. They served on the International Friends Board and were "family" to many international students, some of whom they continued to have relationships and contact with after leaving the University. Dr. Eure was very active in giving back to his community after his retirement in 1996. He served as a volunteer and member of the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity. He was a volunteer at Hospice of West Alabama, Community Soup Bowl, Caring Days Day care, and DCH Regional Medical Center. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Tuscaloosa, where he previously sang in the choir and was a member of the Lee Sunday School Class. He lived out his faith through his service and his response to the needs of others. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Matthew 25 Fund at First United Methodist Church, 800 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.