Gerald R. Smith

ADRIAN – Gerald “Gerry” R. Smith, 85, of Adrian, passed away Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at Gaslight Village Assisted Living, where he spent his last days with great care and compassion. The family would like to thank the staff of Gaslight Village and Hospice of Lenawee. He was born November 26, 1930, in Adrian to Rudolph A. and Arlene B. (Hilborn) Smith. Gerry earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering from the University of Michigan. On June 19, 1952, he married Joanne Frye and she survives. Following graduation, Gerry was employed by Argus Camera as an engineer. Gerry was also employed by Bixby Medical Center as Director of Material Services. He owned and operated Smith Cyclery. Gerry was a member of Kiwanis for the past 40 years and was a past President. In addition, he served as an Adrian City Commissioner from 1993-2000 and served as Mayor Pro Tem. He was a proud member of the University of Michigan Alumni Association. Another passion of Gerry’s was the Lenawee County Historical Society, where he loved spending time, serving as treasurer and docent. His hobbies included biking, gardening, woodworking, photography, trap and skeet shooting, working on his computer and music. Hidden Lake Gardens was his favorite place in Lenawee County. In addition to his wife, Joanne, Gerry is survived by his four children: Arlene M. Endres and husband, Patrick of Bel Air, MD, David D. Smith and his significant other, Connie Cole of Fairfield, OH, Timothy J. Smith and wife, Cassandra of Osprey, FL, Carolyn J. Chesney and husband, John of Naples, FL. He will also be missed by his 8 grandchildren, James F. Ryley III and wife Mei, Jessica S. Hammond and husband Scott, Adrienne M. Endres DeRan and husband Craig, Melissa A. Arrington and husband Keenan, Matthew J. Smith, Taylor M. Fulford and husband Jesse, Daniel J. Chesney and Sarah E. Chesney; and great grandchildren, Luke, Kieran, Charlee, Ben and Savannah. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers in infancy, David and Norman Smith. At Gerry’s request, cremation has taken place. In lieu of a memorial service, a gathering of family and friends will be on Saturday, January 9, 2016, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian. Contributions in Gerry’s memory may be directed to the Lenawee County Historical Society. Envelopes are available at Wagley Funeral Home. Online condolences and memories are welcomed at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.

Gerald R. Smith

November 26, 1930 - December 15, 2015