Gerald Albert Smith
Born December 1, 1939 to Clarence Smith and Bessie Taylor in Black Mountain, N.C.
Deceased February 5, 2015
Survived by wife of 31 years, Shelia Jones Smith, children, Michael & Kathryn Smith, Candler, N.C., Kathy & Jeff Shepherd, Litchfield Park, AZ, Sharon & Reggie Holt, Raleigh, N.C., Diane & Tony Lanzarotta , Oak Ridge, TN, and Alicia Smith, Oak Ridge, TN; grandchildren, Andee Kerley, Johnson City, TN, Alonna Holt, Raleigh, N.C., Nino Holt, Raleigh, N.C., Chrissy Garrett, Myrtle Beach, S.C., Jessica & Richard Moodie, Talbott, TN, Mitchell & Paula Garrett, Montery, Mexico, Nikki Wiesmann, Talbott, TN, Nicole Holt, Oak Ridge, TN; great-grandchildren, Caragyn Moodie, Talbott, TN, Trystan Moodie, Talbott, TN; sisters and brothers-in-law, Debra Yarbrough & Randy, and Brenda McQueen & Barry, Buddy Jones & Linda, Billy Jones & Sheila, and David Jones & Tracey; uncles and aunts, Hansel Taylor & Polly, and Roger Dale Taylor & Chris; Hazel Smith, Laine Thomasson, Ruth Brewster & Ralph, Vera (Koot) Daniel, and Frances Stephens; nieces and nephews, Melanie Jones, Jesicca Morgan & Andy, Justin Yarbrough & Kalina; 2 grand-nieces, and 4 grand-nephews.
Gerald loved life and loved his family. He served 10 years in the United States Marine Corps and was a Vietnam Veteran. He was a church superintendent at Daniels Chapel United Methodist Church. Gerald loved to play cards and taught all of his children and grand-children to play. Gerald loved to help people in any way he could. He enjoyed serving at The Community Kitchen and especially enjoyed helping family and friends with any building projects. Gerald built his home in Canton referring to it as “The House that Love Built.” He designed it so that there would always be plenty of room for family and friends to spend time with him in the mountains of North Carolina. Gerald enjoyed working in the yard and grew grapes so that he could can grape jelly that he liked to give away. Gerald traveled all over the United States, Canada, Mexico and Brazil with Shelia at his side. His favorite place was Myrtle Beach. He enjoyed spending a week at Myrtle Beach every summer with his daughters and their families.
Gerald’s grandson-in-law wrote the following words:
Grandpa Gerald taught me what family truly meant. He welcomed everyone into his home...the home built with his own hands. He never judged anyone, but he made it clear what the laws of the world were …. Zero tolerance for laziness. Just get off your behind and get it done!!!
Gerald donated his body to James H. Quillen College of Medicine in hopes he could help someone after his death.
Two Memorial Services are planned.
The first Memorial Service will be held in Canton, N.C. at Morning Star United Methodist Church at 2535 Dutch Cove Road on Sunday, February 7, 2015. Visitation will be from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm with the service at 3:00 pm.
The second Memorial Service will be held in Little River Community in Cedar Bluff, Alabama at Daniels Chapel United Methodist Church on Sunday, February 15. 2015. Visitation will be from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm with the service at 3:00 pm.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to, The Community Kitchen, P.O. Box 513 Canton, N.C. 28716 Or Daniels Chapel United Methodist Church c/o Randy MacDonald 4405 County Rd. 77, Gaylesville, AL 35973
Condolences may be sent to the Smith family online at www.dillow-taylor.com
Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Services 423-753-3821