Gerald Elliott Smith

Gerald Elliott Smith, 85, husband of Linda Burkett Smith, died Thursday, March 31, 2016. Born in Barnesville, GA, he was the son of the late Frank Willis Smith and Mary Irene Elliott Smith. In addition to his parents, Gerald was preceded in death by his first wife, who he married in 1961, Lois Coon Smith, and brother, James L. Smith. He graduated from Gordon Military College and received his Masters from the University of Georgia. He retired from the University Of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service as an Extension Horticulturist and as Associate Professor Emeritus in 1986 after 30 years. He was awarded the American Association of Nurseryman's Outstanding Nursery Specialist Award in 1985. Gerald was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Athens and served in the US Army 1953-1954. Survivors include his wife, Linda Smith, children: Frank Willis Smith of Ila, Mary Margaret Smith (LH) Sales of Crawford; sister in law, Sara Smith, grandson, Jake Sales, nephews, Grey and Tom Smith and niece, Jennifer Williamson. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 2PM at First Presbyterian Church of Athens. The family wishes to thank his caregivers and the staff of Gentiva Hospice at Athens Regional Medical Center for their tender care given to Gerald. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the ARK ,640-A Barber Street, Athens, GA 30601 , First Presbyterian Church of Athens,185 East Hancock Avenue, Athens, GA 30601, State Botanical Garden of Georgia, 2450 S. Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA 30605 or the Gerald Smith Horticulture Scholarship, C/O UGA Milledge Cetre Suite 100, 394 S. Milledge Ave., Athens, GA 30603. Lord & Stephens West is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com