CASTLE HILL, Maine – Gerald Arthur Smith, 76, of Castle Hill, passed away Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at a Lewiston hospital. He was surrounded by his loving family in his final hours.
Born on October 14, 1940 in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, to Louise and Carroll Smith of Baileyville, Jerry went to work on a neighbor’s dairy farm as a boy where his strong work ethic took root. After attending Woodland High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served aboard the U.S.S. Toro as a submariner.
Jerry returned home to marry his high school sweetheart and together they raised three daughters. His talents as a meat cutter and sharp business mind made him valuable to his employer as he established and managed meat departments in several locations throughout Maine and beyond. He later worked for the Georgia Pacific paper mill in Woodland in various capacities, retiring as steam plant manager. In retirement, he used his knowledge of all things mechanical and his drive to get things done to help his children and grandchildren with their projects.
A devoted husband, his family and friends will remember Jerry as a strong man of his word who loved life and lived it fully. His concern for those he cared about showed no bounds as he often helped meet their needs even before they knew they had any. He wasn’t happy if his “work book” wasn’t full and he kept busy in his later years dropping by his growing circle of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to help out or just sit and talk. He loved music, especially classic country, and was known to sing and dance when the occasion was right.
Jerry loved his farm and camp where he could often be found in the company of his faithful four-legged friends including dogs, cats, and the occasional pony or horse. He also “captained” several boats and often set sail in search of a big fish.
He was predeceased by his parents, and his older brother Richard. In addition to his companion, partner and friend of 58 years, Brenda (Hiland) Smith, he is survived by his daughters Wendy Smith of Castle Hill, and Susan and Mark Putnam and Kimberly and Dale Newell, all of Presque Isle; grandchildren Maranda Donovan and husband Darren, Lane Plissey and wife Billie Jo, Jennifer Carlow and husband Derek, Jami Blair and husband Travis, Travis Shaw and wife Bethany, and Nicholas Newell; and great-grandchildren Cody Blair, Gabriella Donovan, Chandler Pratt, Amelia Donovan, Gavin Blair, Theodore Donovan, Brenna Carlow, Raelyn Plissey, Annie Carlow, Sawyer Plissey and Huxley Shaw. Grampy Jerry also had step-grandchildren and their families who loved him.
He is also survived by his sisters Judith Murphy and Cheryl Gillis.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.duncan-graves.com
