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Gerald Otto Smith, Jr.
November 15th, 1941 - September 29th, 2021
November 15th, 1941 - September 29th, 2021
Gerald Otto Smith, Jr., 79, from Edgewood NM walked into the arms of the Lord September 29, 2021.
Gerald was born on November 15, 1941 in Roswell NM to Gerald Otto Smith Sr. and Vayna McClendon Smith. Gerald was the youngest of 9 children.
Gerald married, his beautiful wife, Bernice Perea from Pinos Wells NM, on December 28, 1962 in Albuquerque NM.
Gerald graduated high school at Lovington High School in Lovington NM in 1959. He attended college in Pasadena CA.
Gerald joined the United States Air Force in January 1960. He proudly served his country until January 1966.
Gerald was an OSHA Director for many companies during his career. He retired in October 2016.
During his lifetime, Gerald lived in the states of New Mexico, Texas, Mississippi, California, Washington, South Dakota and abroad.
Gerald enjoyed drawing, making model cars, planes and trains. He was constantly tinkering and enjoyed making everyone laugh.
Gerald is survived by his wife Bernice P. Smith. His children Cathleen Vigil (Alan) of Moriarty NM, Caleen Smith Shanahan of Edgewood NM, Kenneth “Greg” Smith (Martha) of Stanley NM, Chyleen Glisper (Timothy) of Albuquerque NM, 14 Grandchildren, 15 Great grandchildren and his beloved chorky Missy Lou.
Gerald is preceded in death by his parents Gerald and Vayna Smith, his daughter Charleen Smith Karr of Sioux Falls SD, three brothers, and five sisters.
Rosary/Memorial Service will be held on Saturday October 9, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. at Rivera’s Family Funeral Home located at 417 East Rodeo Rd. Santa Fe, NM. Place of internment to follow Rosary/ Memorial Service - Pinos Wells Cemetery, Pinos Wells NM at 12:30 p.m. Reception to follow at St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Catholic Church Reception Hall, Edgewood NM.
Pallbearers: Jaycob Anderson, John Bill Trimble, Bill Laman, Alan Vigil, Luis Perea, Joey Garcia.
Honorary Pallbearers: Jake Perea, Ernest Perea, Felipe Jaramillo, Leo Garcia, Fred Marshall.
Donations of flowers accepted at Rivera’s Funeral Home. Bartons Flowers: BartonsFlowers.com and Rodeo Plaza Flowers: https://www.rodeoplazaflowers.com/
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Tributes
Ruth Sabiers
French Leger and I send our condolences to Bernice and her family as we say farewell to Gerald today. I had the privilege of working on the Santa Fe County Mobile Medical Van with Gerald and Angela Thorndyke for four years - one of the happiest periods of my career. Gerald entertained us during those long commutes to the far reaches of the county with stories of the people he met on his extensive travels. Even after we no longer worked together, our families met for holiday lunches/gift exchanges. Reminiscences and laugher were the order of the day and the highlights of the season. Rest in peace, Gerald. We will always remember you with love.
Angela
Gerald was a wonderful man ---hilarious and really one of the best people I have ever worked with. Sending my love and prayers to Bernice and his children --Angela Thorndyke
Herman Garcia
Bernice and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Gerald was always kind, funny and interesting to talk with. May he rest in eternal peace. May you and your family be comforted by God’s grace and compassion.
Caleen Smith Shanahan
I will miss my daddy very much! He was kind to everyone and loved to call me Pearl or Pearleen. He always called me on my birthday to sing to me and made sure to call me Pearl. I will never be able to put into words what he did for me. One of our last conversations was him telling me "You need to grow some thick skin and stop letting people upset you. Be strong because I know you are. You beat breast cancer." I am gowning my thick skin Daddy! xoxoxo Caleen "Pearl"
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