Gerald Spencer Smith Sr.

In Loving Memory

Gerald Spencer Smith, prominent Greensboro businessman, passed Sunday night, March 1, 2026, at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in High Point. He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Anne Smith of Greensboro. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Sylvia Housend Smith, who passed on December 29, 2024, and son, Gerald Spencer Smith, Jr. who passed on March 6, 2023.

Other survivors are sisters, June Barnett (Thomas - deceased) Oxford, Georgia; Jacquelyn (Glenn) Sheppard, Greenwood, MO, and sister-in-law, Mary Ann Housend Hawkins, (James - deceased) St Simons Island, and 11 nieces and nephews.

Mr. Smith was born in Dodge County, GA on December 11, 1934, graduating from Eastman High School in 1954. He enrolled in Middle Georgia College before joining the Army where he served in Hinesville, GA and Japan for four years with decorations and obtaining the Rank of Sergeant. He was awarded “Soldier of the Month” so often that officers told him they were removing him from competition to give other soldiers a chance. Following his service in the Army, Mr. Smith attended the University of Georgia, Athens, graduating with a degree in business.

He was hired by Travelers Insurance Company before graduation and began his career in the insurance business in Charlotte, NC. He and his family moved to Greensboro in 1965 and were members of Greensboro First Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder.

Upon his retirement from Travelers Insurance Company, he opened Gerald S. Smith Insurance Agency, retiring again at age 78. He and his wife lived at their Greensboro home until her death. Before his recent hospitalization, Mr. Smith lived at Shannan Grey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Jamestown where he became a well-loved resident. His family is deeply grateful to his faithful caregivers of many years who became his second family. He will be missed by them as well as his family and friends in business.

Mr. Smith was devoted to his family and made many friends in Greensboro during his lifetime. He loved his flower garden, animals, and all things in Nature. His wit, humor, and friendliness to all will be remembered by those who knew him.

Graveside services will be held March 14, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Westminster Gardens Cemetery, 3601 Whitehurst Rd, Greensboro, NC 27410. Visitation will be 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. the night prior at Pierce-Jefferson Funeral Services 213 W Mountain St, Kernersville, NC 27284.