Gerald graduated from Russellville High School, and subsequently attended Northwest Alabama Junior College and Alabama Christian College with an emphasis in business administration.
After five years in two businesses he established, Borden accepted a position with the Russellville Gas Board, which led to a 54-year career in the natural and propane gas industry. With guidance from state and national gas associations, Borden led the gas board to meet state and national regulations for general operations and safety standards. He served as a director of the Alabama Natural Gas Association for 14 years and was the association's president in 1983-84. His national leadership in the industry was also marked by his 12 years of service on the board of directors of the American Public Gas Association, an organization of over 700 gas distributors throughout the U.S.
In 1990, Borden became general manager of the Conecuh Monroe Counties Gas District in Evergreen, Alabama. In 1999, Conecuh Monroe entered the propane gas distribution business and subsequently completed 14 natural and propane gas acquisitions. The growing operation was renamed South Alabama Gas with authorization to operate in three states. Borden emerged as the CEO of South Alabama Gas, a position he held until his retirement in 2006. He continued as a consultant until 2018.
During his career, Borden devoted endless hours to public service through Freemasonry, rising in the organization to his election as Grand Master of Alabama in November 1978. He was ordained a Baptist minister in 2005.
Gerald and Jo Ann now make their home in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.