Gerald Marvin Smith

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Gerald Marvin Smith, 80, of King, NC, passed peacefully on February 13, 2025, into the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Born in Stokes County, he was the 11th child of the late William Andrew and Mattie Moss Smith. Gerald was a devoted husband to Bonnie for 59 years, a loving father to his children Yvonne Smith Newsome (David) and Christopher Smith (Elizabeth), and a special “Pop” to his grandson, Cole Newsome.

Cole shared, “You were truly a Godly man who showed me to work smarter, not harder, and also took me to see trains. I am blessed to have had you almost 32 years. Love you, Pop!”

Gerald was preceded in death by his sisters Thelma Shelton, Marjorie Herndon, and Stella Sprinkle, as well as his brothers Drudy, Jonah, Elmer, Owen and Wallace Smith. He is survived by his sister, Mary Alderman, his brother, Gray Smith and many more loving relatives.

A faithful servant of God, Gerald was a member of Jefferson Christian Church since 1956, where he served in many roles, including youth sponsor, teacher, Deacon, Elder, and groundskeeper. It was his joy to sing with the Solid Rock Quartet for 25 years.

Gerald graduated from King High School, Class of 1964. He attended Winston Salem Business College and took courses at Wake Forest Babcock School of Management, NCSU and High Point University.  He worked for RJR Tobacco Company for 30 years, retiring in 1999. He held multiple jobs, finishing his career as a supervisor at the Tobaccoville plant. He was a born leader who thought out of the box, never met a stranger and loved everyone, always letting his light shine for Christ.

Gerald had a passion for classic cars, and his 1955 Chevy Bel-Air was his daily driver for many years. After retirement, he helped start the Shades of the Past Cruisers car club and emceed numerous car shows, including those at RCR Racing in Welcome, NC, Classic Muscle in Winston-Salem, NC, and Jefferson Christian Church in Rural Hall, NC.

The family will receive visitors on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Jefferson Christian Church, 8200 Jefferson Church Road, Rural Hall, NC 27045. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Jefferson Christian Church. Flowers will be accepted, or donations may be made to the Jefferson Christian Church Cemetery Fund.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
– John 3:16 (KJV)

Slate Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Gerald Marvin Smith. Online condolences may be offered at www.slatefh.com.

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