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Robert Gerald Smith

November 15, 1950 - February 19, 2024
Visitation
Roper Mountain Baptist Church
300 Roper Mountain Road
Greenville, SC 29615
Saturday 2/24, 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm
Service
Roper Mountain Baptist Church
300 Roper Mountain Road
Greenville, SC 29615
Saturday 2/24, 3:00 pm
Cemetery
Roper Mountain Baptist Church
300 Roper Mountain Road
Greenville, SC 29615
Saturday 2/24

Following the service

Robert Gerald Smith, 73, of Easley, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, February 19, 2024. He lived a life filled with moments of joy, compassion, and faith.

He was a devoted member of Roper Mountain Baptist Church and member of the Men Sunday School Class. In his younger days he enjoyed playing softball with the church team.

Gerald has always been very well loved and respected by the people here at Roper Mountain Baptist Church. He was also loved, remembered, and often mentioned by his students of the young boys’ Sunday-school class. Gerald had a very special and unique way of connecting all the dots with them. He would use his love for sports, hunting and fishing to peak their interest and would then turn their attention to God’s own words by incorporating his hobbies into their lessons. It is certain that he left a lasting impression upon their hearts.

Born in Greenville, South Carolina, he was a son of the late John Bruce and Pauline Thompson Smith.

In addition to his parents, Gerald was preceded in death by his brother, John Bruce Smith Jr. and sister-in-law, Carolyn Smith.

His memory will forever be cherished in the heart of his one and only “Favorite” niece, Christine “Crickett” Smith-Kurta and her spouse, Ron; nephews, “Trey” Davis and his wife, Tuesday, Shane Tapper and his spouse, Thaddeus Paulsel, Zachary Kurta and great niece, Cove Davis. Along with the love of his life, his best friend, and girlfriend, Deborah Bagwell.

Gerald was a man of simple things, finding solace in being outdoors, sharing moments with his true friends. He was a member of the D & J Hunt Club in Orangeburg County. These men were family to him, a true brotherhood. He was also a member of Greenville Striper Kings and where he acted as a prior president and prior treasurer. Gerald was very proud of traveling the country fishing and taking part in Striper fishing Tournaments.

Gerald graduated in 1968 from J. L. Mann High School. Graduated from Greenville Tech College with a degree in computer science. He retired from MetLife in 1998 as Programmer Manager.

To honor and celebrate the life of Gerald, a visitation will be held Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. at Roper Mountain Baptist Church followed by the funeral service at 3:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary, officiated by Pastor Ron Lewis. Burial will be held in Roper Mountain Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made in Gerald’s memory to Roper Mountain Baptist Church http://www.ropermountainbc.com.

Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memory of Gerald with the family by clicking the “leave a message, share a memory” link.

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Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes
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Richard Scibelli
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Rita Satterfield Light a candle
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Visitation
Roper Mountain Baptist Church
300 Roper Mountain Road
Greenville, SC 29615
Map
Saturday 2/24, 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm
Service
Roper Mountain Baptist Church
300 Roper Mountain Road
Greenville, SC 29615
Map
Saturday 2/24, 3:00 pm
Cemetery
Roper Mountain Baptist Church
300 Roper Mountain Road
Greenville, SC 29615
Map
Saturday 2/24

Following the service

Robert Gerald Smith, 73, of Easley, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, February 19, 2024. He lived a life filled with moments of joy, compassion, and faith. He was a devoted member of Roper Mountain Baptist Church and member of the Men Sunday School Class. In his younger days he enjoyedContinue Reading

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Alicia left a message on April 15, 2024:
I worked for Gerald in the 1990s at MetLife, in cubical-land, at Patewood in Greenville. His mainframe team was Group Universal Life. Gerald also came to our house for dinner and events, and us to his. He was very smart, mathmatical, and kind. He was quick to smile. I don't think I ever saw him get angry. A couple funny ("I'm so old") stories... it was new for programmers to have our own PC - and Gerald didn't mind if we played a bit of Solitare (that came on the PC) because it helped him get used to working the mouse. And: the dress code said no jeans, but he didn't seem to know jeans came in other colors than blue, and didn't say anything about, say, black jeans. He had to go to a lot of meetings I was glad I didn't have to, lol. ("Group" Universal Life means employees got the insurance through their employers, and premiums were paid through payroll deduction.)
Caroline Tallant left a message on March 4, 2024:
Deborah, I am so sorry to learn of your loss. I will keep you in my prayers and heart as you move through this most difficult time. Caroline (Carol) Tallant
David Camp left a message on February 24, 2024:
So sorry to hear that Gerald passed. I worked with him at MetLife from 1989 till his retirement. We had many conversations about his hunting trips, and the ones that got away. Rest in Peace Gerald.
Richard Scibelli left a message on February 24, 2024:
I worked with Gerald for many years at MetLife. He was a great guy to work with and never a mean bone in his body. Rest in peace my friend.
Eddie " Ed " Vest left a message on February 23, 2024:
Gerald "Smitty" will definitely be missed !! Smitty and I fished a good bit together, not as much as my dad Lewis & brother Ron and deer hunted a ton over the past 45+years. We hunted in a hand full of clubs, but most notably D & J hunt club in Orangeburg. S.C. We built stands, cut shooting lanes and had a lot of general work days on the land and I will always remember his famous saying " Take 5 Men " He was known as the SUPERVISOR !!! R[P my friend, we all loved you like a brother !!!
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Rita Satterfield left a message on February 22, 2024:
Big hugs ! I'm sure he left a missing place in your life. My deepest sympathy 🙏
Steve Foster left a message on February 22, 2024:
I grew up with Gerald in Roper Mountain Church. We went to JL Mann High School. We played ball together,hunted and fished together from time we were little boys until we were grown. Gerald was with me on January 15, 1971 where were dragging Main Street downtown Greenille. Back then all teenagers would drive to one end and back to the other. That night traffic came to almost a crawl. We pulled up behind a stalled car and I got out of my car to see if I could help. I motion for Gerald to drive my car and I got in the stalled car of this pretty girl , started he car and drove to end of main street, got her phone number and got in my car. This girl has been my wife since September of 1971. I always told Gerald he introduced me to her. Gerald was a great friend.
Cathy Thompson left a message on February 22, 2024:
There simply is no easy way to let go of those we care for. Harder on the immediate family members but all of us I am sure are reeling from so much grief in such a short time. First Jimmy and now Ray and Gerald on the same day. Too much sadness in too short a time. I am married into the family but will sure miss seeing Jimmy and Gerald at our family get togethers. Sending love to all Gerald's family. May all the great memories you have of Gerald give you comfort. Please keep in touch with us.
Amanda Troyer left a message on February 22, 2024:
Gerald will be missed very much. I know him and Daddy are in heaven right now hunting or fishing. They talked every single day. And I know Daddy was there when it was Gerald’s time. Love you cousin Gerald. You will be greatly missed.
Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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