Birth date: Feb 12, 1938 Death date: May 25, 2012
Funeral services for Chaplain LTC Retired Gerald H. Smith, 74, of Leesville, Louisiana will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, May 27, 2012, at First Baptist Church in Leesville, with Rev. Wallace Palmer, Rev. Larry White & Rev. Jeremy Read Obituary
Chaplain Smith was a central feature of my time at Fort Polk, LA during the mid-80's. I served as a chaplain assistant and the NCOIC of DIVARTY CHAPEL with the 5th Infantry Division. Gerald was definitely one of the "spiritual chaplains," who was down-to-earth, approachable and caring towards those who came in contact with him. RIP "Chaplain Smith." You leave behind you a good legacy and a well-spent life.
Glenda, Danny, Dennis, Angie and Mel,We can't think of our Fischbach group without Gerald. It is so hard to believe he is gone - but comforting to know that he has graduated to his forever home. We have been on the road, but have thought of all of you through all this and prayed for you. We treasure our memories of him - and all of you - during our Fischbach days, but more importantly of the times that we have been able to spend together in recent years. He has been a blessing to so many people in so many places. His life has made a difference in the best of ways - in leading people to God and a relationship with Him. May God comfort all of you continually. Love, Mike and Jane Moore
I am devastated to learn of the death of my beloved friend. When he served as the Installation Chaplain at Fort Polk, I served under him as a Sunday School teacher. I loved him coming into the classroom, and let the children know how special they are in God's kingdom. Although he knew that I was in college in the 70's, studying Biblical history, he took me under his wing and all his staff. He was a great mentor to me, and to many civilians and soldiers in the community, and the Dept of the Army. He firmly believed that the Lord came to serve and not be served; and, he was a true example of serving. It is my delight to know how precious he was to us all! God bless you and yours for your great loss. Elaine Bastedo-Johnston
Dear Glenda Smith and all the family of Bro. Gerald Smith: WE enjoyed very much our friendship and fellowship with Bro. Gerald & Glenda while pastor of the wonderful people of Simpson Baptist Church. He was a real encourager to us as well as the whole church. May our Lord bless you and comfort you Glenda & Family. Bro. James & Shirley Miller (First Baptist of Spearsville)
Chaplain Smith ministered to us while were stationed at Fischbach, Germany with the US Army in 1975-1976. We grew to love and admire him and it has been a privilege to call him "friend" all these years. We will miss you Chaplain.
We've never quite gotten used to calling him anything, but "Chaplain." It's not just a position, but a respectful endearment. In all his humanness, we could not help but respect him--and love him. Not only did he care for us from his heart, but all of the chapel family, and each person and family in the battalion. He had a huge heart for people, up until his death. People recognized his humility and honesty. They sought his counsel and listening ear. He had a rascally sense of humor, that was not inappropriate. We will greatly miss him, until we see him, again, at the big reunion of believers. This was a man of God.With heartfelt condolences,Randy and Cheryl Lee
So sorry to hear about Bro. Smith. He was a fine minister. His life was a picture of what the Lord intends for us to be in the area of service. "Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithfull".
Dear Smith FamilyOur thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of Brother Smith. He was our Pastor when we first moved to Simpson. He touched the lives of many people while he lived there. We lived in the house across the highway from Simpson Baptist Church. May God Bless and Comfort you in this time of sorrow.Frank and Flora HoverRuston, Louisiana
Dear Smith Family, we are so sorry for the loss of your dear husband, father, and grandfather. We, at St. Andrew, will miss his caring, compassion, and humor. We were blessed to have Rev. Smith and Glenda as our "A" Team. He will be sorely missed. God Bless you all. Members of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church.
Gerald will truly be missed, he has touched so many lives. Our prayers and thoughts are with all his friends and family.
