Gerald James Smith

Gerald James Smith, 85, of Columbia, South Carolina met his Lord and Savior face-to-face on Sunday, July 28, 2024. A funeral service will be held at Riverland Hills Baptist Church on Saturday, August 3, 2024, 2:00 pm; with visitation starting at the church at Noon. Entombment will follow the service at Temples-Halloran, Bush River Memorial Gardens. Mr. Smith was born in Albemarle, North Carolina on February 18, 1939, and was the son of James Farnton and Daisy Bell Burris Smith. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Betty Smith; a son, Mark Smith (Bonnie), of Columbia; daughters, Kimberly Moss of Columbia, and Jennifer Smith of Simpsonville. He is predeceased by a brother, Jimmy Smith of Albemarle, North Carolina. Surviving siblings are a sister, Joyce Troublefield, and a brother, Donald Smith (Jane), both from Albemarle. Mr. Smith graduated from New London High School in 1957. After graduation, he served in the Air Force from May 31, 1957, to August 1, 1960. He completed basic training in San Antonio, Texas and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, serving as an air policeman. After receiving an honorable discharge, he returned to Albemarle, North Carolina where he married the love of his life. His first job after returning from service was at General Tire in Charlotte, North Carolina, recapping tires. He later went to work for Firestone as a credit manager in Albemarle. On January 11, 1965, Mr. Smith went to work for Lance, Inc. as a sales trainee. He was quickly promoted as a sales representative for the Morganton, North Carolina territory. He received several promotions over the course of his career with Lance and completed the American Management Associations Management Course in New York with further studies at Queens College in Charlotte. In January 1982, he was promoted to District Sales Manager of the Columbia district where he held that position until his retirement on January 26, 2001, completing 36 years of dedicated service for Lance. Throughout his life he was always involved and served in his local church and community. A member of Riverland Hills Baptist Church for 42 years, he served as deacon, usher, headed up a Men’s Golf Ministry Group, and participated in the Friendship Sunday School Class. He was also involved in The Gideons International and held several offices within the Irmo Camp. Gerald had a servant’s heart. He would do anything for his family and friends. His personality, positive outlook, and attitude had an enduring influence on the lives he touched. He was a devoted husband, father, and papa. He dearly loved his grandchildren, Courtney Young (Tim), Cameron Moss, Mary Kate Spivey (Jim) and Sara Shannon (Sam). The grandchildren loved playing pranks on their Papa because they knew he enjoyed a good laugh. He loved his granddogs, Chester, Finn, and Rhys. They would always tug on their leash at the mention of going to Grandma and Papa’s house. There they would find belly rubs and baby carrots. When he was not involved in church activities, you would find him working in his yard, gardening, doing woodwork projects, or cheering for the Gamecocks. The family would like to express thanks to the wonderful care provided by the nurses at Lexington Medical Center, North Tower, 7th Floor. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gideons International, Irmo Camp, Post Office Box 210263, Columbia, SC 29221-0263; or to the Benevolence Fund at Riverland Hills Baptist Church, 201 Lake Murray Boulevard, Irmo, SC 29063.