Gerald Lamar Smith

Mr. Gerald Lamar Smith, 76, of Hagerstown, died Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at his residence. He was the husband of Geraldine Sue Orrison Smith for over 53 years.

Gerald was born on April 9, 1935, in Brunswick, MD and he was the son of the late Kenneth E. and Stella C. Smith.

Gerald graduated from Frederick High School class of 1953 and joined the US Army in 1954, where he served for over 22 years, until his retirement in 1976. While serving in the Army, he became an Electronic Warfare systems technician, married his loving wife Sue and was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer (CW3). Gerald served three unaccompanied tours: Alaska Vietnam and Turkey and five accompanied tours: Ft. Belvoir, VA, Ft. Devens, MA, Herzo Base, Germany, Hakata, Japan and Vint Hill Farms Station in Warrenton, VA. He received the bronze star for exemplary service in Vietnam and the second oak leaf cluster to the Army Commendation medal for service in Japan. Upon retirement from the Army, Gerald worked for government contractors developing maintenance concepts and troubleshooting procedures for newly design Electronic Warfare intelligence equipment. Gerald grew up a Lutheran, serving as Sunday School Superintendent and on various committees within the leadership roles of the Lutheran Church. He loved baseball, traveling by train, attending Frederick Keys games and watching baseball on tv.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughter, Gina Sue Denney and husband Ben of Fairfax, VA, sons, Gerald Franklin Smith, of Roanoke, VA, and Garry Smith and wife Karyn of Locus Grove, VA, grandchildren, Troy Thomas, Corey Thomas and Hayley Thomas, brother-in-law, Stanley Orrison of Lago Vista, TX, 2 nephews and 5 greatnephews all near Austin, TX.

In addition to his parents, Gerald was preceded in death by his step-father Howard Thompson.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm, on Friday, October 21, 2011, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 16 N. Main St., Smithsburg. The memorial service will be at 11:00 am, on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at the church. Rev. Virgil Cain will officiate and Rev. Richard Hembrock will assist. Inurnment will be at 3:00 PM, at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 515 S. Market St, Frederick, MD.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 16 N. Main Street, Smithsburg, MD 21783 or the Salvation Army, 534 W. Franklin Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740.

Online condolences may be shared at www.keeneybasford.com.