Geral Bissette

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Geral Francis Bissette, 83, of Elm City, who entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. A devoted husband, beloved father, cherished "Papa," and loyal brother, Geral left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, February 16, at 2:00 PM at Mount Zion United Methodist Church, followed immediately by a visitation in the Fellowship Center. Interment will take place on Tuesday at 11:00 AM at Evergreen Memorial Park.

Geral was a man of boundless generosity and deep faith. In 1964, he married the love of his life, Helen Vick. He often said that Helen was the best thing that ever happened to him, and for 61 years they modeled a true partnership. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, and an open door where family and friends were always welcome.

In his early years, Geral worked the land as a dedicated farmer, instilling in his children the values of hard work and integrity. His outgoing spirit and welcoming smile also made him a beloved figure at Silver Lake Oyster Bar, where he worked as a host after long days on the farm. A pillar of his community, he was one of the early volunteers at the Silver Lake Fire Department, serving proudly as both a firefighter and board member.

Geral would later earn his Real Estate Broker’s license and became the 55th certified real estate appraiser in North Carolina. Alongside Helen, he built the successful Appraisal Service Company, earning a reputation for honesty and quality that spanned over 25 years in Wilson and surrounding counties. He also served with distinction on the Wilson County Planning Board.

Faith was the cornerstone of Geral’s life. Geral was a lifetime member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church where he served faithfully in many capacities. His warm smile became a fixture of the church family. Geral viewed his family and accomplishments as blessings from God.

Geral and Helen’s love for each other and their children expanded to encompass their four grandchildren. Geral embraced his role as "Papa" with unmatched enthusiasm and pride, showering his grandchildren with love. To know Geral, friend, brother, loving husband, devoted dad, adoring Papa, was to love him. He will be sorely missed by all of his family and friends. Words cannot truly express the depth of our love and the wealth of gratitude we feel for the legacy he left us. While our hearts ache with his absence, we take comfort and joy in knowing he is now experiencing the fullness of heaven and eternal peace.

Geral is survived by his wife of 61 years, Helen Vick Bissette; daughter, Vickie Franks (F.T.) of Wilson; son, Jeff Bissette (Stacy) of Saudi Arabia; grandchildren, T. Franks, Scott Franks, Randall “Rand” Bissette, and Maeve Bissette; sister, Connie Lyon (Fleming) of Bath; brother, Billy Bissette (Esther) of Elm City; sister-in-law, Jean Bissette of Elm City; and many nieces and nephews.

Geral was preceded in death by his infant son, Randall Wayne Bissette, parents Zack R. Bissette and Ethel S. Bissette, and brothers Royce Bissette and Ronnie Bissette; son-in-law, Randy Quinn.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made in Geral’s honor to Mount Zion UMC, 5326 London Church Rd, Elm City, NC 27822 or to Silver Lake Fire Department, 5215 Hornes Church Rd, Wilson, NC 27896.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr. N, Wilson, (252) 237-7171, www.wilsonmemorialservice.com