Mr. Gerald Wilson Smith, age 91, loving husband of Dorothy F. Smith for 66 years, passed away at his home in Silver Spring, Maryland on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He is survived by his wife Dorothy, three children: Gerald Smith, Jr, Susan Smith, and David Smith (Cynthia), three grandchildren: Brian, Aaron, and Chloe and a host of relatives.
Gerald was born November 16, 1930 in Kimball, West Virginia to George W. and Margie J. Smith. Growing up in Gary WV, he was raised by a loving aunt and uncle, Mattie and Charles “Pap” Holley and considered their sons, Harold and Charles, his brothers. His extended family, the Holleys, Smiths, and Claytors all shared in his upbringing. He returned their love and affection, keeping them close to his heart, frequently telling stories about his adventures with John and Sparky Settles, Walter “Tootsie” Wilson, Charles Floyd and other friends and relatives when he was a young man. He treasured his visits to their homes during his ‘camping’ years.
After graduating from Gary District High School in 1948, he worked at the Cleaning Plant at Number 2 Mine in Gary, WV before joining the Air Force in 1953 and serving during the Korean War. While stationed overseas, he found great joy and peace of mind protecting and supporting children orphaned by the war and would often speak of them. Dad would give extra food from the mess hall to the children. The Air Force recognized his aptitude for math and trained him to be an electronic technician. Upon returning to civilian life, he worked in the U.S. Post Office and National Security Agency while studying to receive an Associate in Applied Science in Electronics from Capitol Institute of Technology. He continued at the NSA and received a scholarship and graduated from the University of the District of Columbia with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. He worked overseas several times, happily accompanied by his wife. He retired in 1988 from the National Security Agency with 30 plus years of government service after starting his working life in the coal mines.
He loved fixing things and working with his hands and was known for not only constantly working on his home projects but also helping anyone else with theirs. He could fix anything and worked on cars, plumbing, carpentry, electrical and masonry over the years. When working a big project like a deck or house expansion he drafted detailed plans and got to work. He and Uncle John Claytor converted the attic into bedrooms complete with new stairs and finished the basement. Even when visiting, he’d jump in and fix things that weren’t right. His neighbors could always count on his help, shared tools and knowledge.
He also loved family vacations, taking us on camping trips across the country from Maine to California, points in between and into Canada. We visited the major sites like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Mt Rushmore, and Niagara Falls while stopping to visit relatives along the way. Great times around the campfire.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, sister Margie Marie Wise, Harold and Charles Holley. He will be missed by family, friends and neighbors.
Services will be at the Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, 11800 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20904 on February 24, 2022. Visitation 11 AM followed by the service at 12 Noon. Interment will at the Maryland National Cemetery in Laurel Maryland immediately following.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hinesrinaldifuneralhome.com for the Smith family.
