Gerald Dwayne Smith

Gerald Dwayne Smith, age 94, of Sanford, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Westfield Nursing and Rehabilitation surround by his family.

He was born in Tacoma, Washington on November 3, 1929 to the late James Smith and Lillian Nelson Smith.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 72 years Esther Langley Smith, daughter Beverly Buchanan and siblings Dorothy Brown, Almon Smith and Leroy Smith.  Mr. Smith retired following a 20-year career in the US Army and then went to work for the US Postal Service where he retired after 22 years of service.  He will be remembered for his love of people and his caring and giving nature. He did not expect or want anything in return and truly taught his family the importance of being generous.

Mr. Smith is survived by daughter, Karen Bryant and husband, Jeff of Sanford; grandchildren, Ashley Buchanan, Britt Buchanan, Jeremy Holder, and Haley Bryant; eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Lee Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to two organizations which were near and dear to his heart,  The Breadbasket, 140 E Chisholm St, Sanford, NC 27330  and/or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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