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BORN
1938
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Gerald Smith Obituary
went home to the Lord on Monday, October 26, 2020, at the age of 82. Gerry was born in in 1938 in Matoaka, West Virginia. He grew up in Applecreek, Ohio, the son of the late Richard and Glendine Smith. Gerry attended Waynedale High School, the College of Wooster and Western Reserve School of Medicine. While at Wooster he met and later married Elizabeth JoAn Smith (nee Organ). They were married 57 years.
He is preceded in death by his parents and beloved wife. He is survived by two sisters, Barbara Brown (Gordon) and Vivienne Vaughn (Lloyd); His four children, Alison Nutt (Brian), Dr. Jennifer Dayton (Richard), Dr. Darrell Smith (Amy) and Dr. Gregory Smith (Nadine): twelve grandchildren, Kathryn Nutt, Jonathan Nutt, Steven Dayton, Matthew Dayton, Ryan Dayton, Bethany Smith, Laurel Smith, Alexa Smith, Weston Smith, Savannah Smith, Luke Smith and Jesse Smith. Gerry practiced medicine as a Gastroenterologist in the United States Army, where he achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and in private practice in Canton, Ohio. He was an avid outdoorsman, who loved hunting and fishing. He and JoAn enjoyed travel and especially loved trips to the beach with their children and grandchildren. Gerry was a longtime member of Christ Presbyterian Church and was an ordained elder. He had particular passion for the ministry of Camp Wakonda, where he volunteered as naturalist and established a nature center. He was also happily involved in the church's "Mission West" project, an outreach to the native people at Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Gerry also served as the team doctor for the GlenOak Golden Eagles football program. He was a friend to many and truly enjoyed people. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Christ Presbyterian Church for the Camp Wakonda Fund.
Private family burial will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery. A public memorial service will be Saturday, October 31, 2020 at 2 PM at Camp Wakonda, with Rev. David de Vries and Rev. Benjamin D. George officiating, the service will be held outside and guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs.
www.arnoldfuneralhome.com
Arnold - Canton
330-456-7291
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Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Smith
3 Entries
J.E.
November 13, 2020
A wonderful person with a very funny sense of humor, I'll always remember his kind and thoughtful approach as a doctor. He always tried to make me comfortable with his jokes. He will greatly be missed. My condolences to his family, my thoughts and prayers are with them.
Brian and Julie McIntire
October 30, 2020
While Brian and I were Co-managers of Camp Wakonda, we had the privilege of becoming friends with Gerry and JoAn. We always enjoyed the times we got to spend with them. Gerry was a very friendly guy who loved to joke around. Gerry spent a lot of time with the campers in the nature center. Each afternoon he would come to the kitchen looking for cookies. He would sit for a while and chat as he had his snack. Those times will always be very fond memories. Gerry will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Rest In Peace friend.
Brian and Julie McIntire
Pam
October 28, 2020
He was an awesome man! He had a great Memory of my husband playing football for Woody Hayes! Every time I seen him he would ask me what I thought the Buckeyes would do? So very sorry to the family... He was a very nice and friendly man! Pam Eberts
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