Gerald (Jerry) R. Smith died on June 6, 2022 after a long illness.

Born in Franklin on May 25, 1946, Jerry grew up in Danbury. He attended Andover High School and graduated from New London High School in New London. In 1965, he married Wanda (Prescott) Smith. Together, for the next 57 years they celebrated the good times and leaned on each other through the bad. They lived in Andover until moving to Englewood, Florida eight years ago.

Most of Jerry’s career was spent in the construction field, where he retired from Jeremy Hiltz Excavating and where he was known as a hard worker and natural leader. When his sons were growing up, he coached Little League in Andover. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends. His easy smile, quick laugh, and friendly manner put anyone around him at ease.

In his younger days, he enjoyed playing baseball and basketball, while in his older years he enjoyed them as a spectator from the comfort of his home. He also possessed the ability to repair almost anything that needed fixing around home.

Jerry was preceded in death by his sons, Todd Smith and Christopher Smith, and by his parents, Rodney Smith and Mary (Stevens) Smith. He is survived by his wife, Wanda Smith; sisters Connie McLeod, Janet Kuhlmeyer, and Eleanor George (Howard); sister-in-law Dawn Kinevich; and nieces and nephew.

Relatives and friends are invited to Gerald Smith’s Graveside Memorial Service on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at 2 PM, at the Proctor Cemetery in Andover, New Hampshire.