A family is mourning the loss of a beloved great-grandfather and community stalwart who died months after the family business closed after 56 years.

Gerry and Gwen Doughty, pictured below, opened Gerrys of Wimbledon in The Broadway in 1960 and retired seven years ago.

Their son Clive joined in 1973, where he remained until its closure in February.

February 6: Family fishing and guns business Gerrys of Wimbledon to close after 56 years

Wimbledon Times:

Just three months after the family business closed its doors for the last time, Gerry died aged 84 surrounded by his family in Kingswood.

He was a well-known figure in Wimbledon, having worked tirelessly there for years.

The main source of their business came from fishing, but over the years their customers acquired a love for darts with the gun selling just being a part of their monthly sales.

The double fronted shop became a familiar sight on The Broadway with its bright red lettering on a white background.

Gerry's son Clive said he was first person to put on Tackle Shows which the rest of the fishing industry have now followed.

The show would have the most up to date fishing equipment available.

There would be casting competitions, where people would demonstrate how accurate they were at casting lines into hoola hoops in the swimming pool at Wimbledon Leisure Centre.

Casting world champion Barry Welham did a demonstration, and they even had celebrities including Bernard Cribbins taking part, which was another reason for Gerry to be featured in the former Wimbledon Borough News and in the trade press.

He enjoyed fishing, regularly going out on his boat and bringing back large catches to show off to his family and the angling press to promote the shop.

Clive, 59, who retired in February, said: "We have had all sorts of messages since and lots of nice tributes.

"He worked in the area for over 50 years - a lot of people will miss him."

"He was part of the community for a long time," he added.

Gerry was a grandfather to Matthew, Kristian, Sophie, Gregg and Alice, and great-grandfather of six to Georgia, Saskia, Grace, Connie, Carys and Aston.

He lived in The Chase, Kingswood, and spent his final days in a nursing home in the area.

He died on Monday, May 9, after a spell of ill health.

The business premises has recently been leased to furniture business brand Neptune, which hopes to open this summer after a refurbishment.

May 5: Family business Gerrys of Wimbledon to become furniture store Neptune this summer

There are four two bedroom flats above the shop which the family plan to refurbish and let out.