Obituary of Gerald Dean Smith

Gerald Dean Smith, age 83, went home to Jesus on August 12, 2021, after a short battle with lung cancer, surrounded by his loving family. Jerry was married to Patricia, the love of his life, for 58 wonderful years. Jerry lived in Seaside his entire life. In his early years he was a cabinetmaker and Seaside Police Officer for 5 years. He also served in the National Guard for 5 years. Jerry retired from the Naval Post Graduate School after 32 years where he held the positions of Heavy Equipment Mechanic, Model Maker, Housing Inspector, Lead Planner Estimator and Maintenance Control Director. After retirement he worked for years at Performance Automotive helping to restore classic cars. At the age of 73, Jerry went to work for his son Brad at Gene’s Import Auto Body as their Parts Manager. He retired from that position at age 80. His favorite part of working at Gene’s was driving customers around, meeting new people and sharing his testimony and his love for Christ. Jerry was blessed with so many talents, including custom pin striping and lettering, sign painting, drafting, model making, metal sculpture, sketching and building and creating anything. There was nothing he couldn’t do..….just ask anyone who knew him. Jerry loved being with his family and time spent with his children and grandchildren were the happiest for him. He was overwhelmed with gratitude by the visitors and the love that was showered on him in his last days. Jerry leaves an amazing legacy for his family to carry on. Jerry leaves behind his loving and devoted wife, Patricia Ann Smith. He is also survived by his two children; Janelle Smith Palma (Bob), and Bradley David Smith (Stephanie); five grandchildren; Bobby Palma, Jr. (Jenna), Bradley Smith Jr., Jordyn Palma, Ryan Smith and Clara-Faith Smith. A Celebration of Life as been postponed until further notice due to the current COVID situation.