Gilbert Smith III
Gate City, VA | March 18, 2010Gilbert Smith III, 59, passed away on Thursday, March 18, 2010, surrounded by his family.
Gilbert was born on August 17, 1950. He worked as a teacher and principal in the Scott County School System for 34 years. He also devoted much of his life to coaching and mentoring the area youth, touching countless lives. He was a lifelong member of Gate City United Methodist Church.
Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Edythe Elliott Smith.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Vicki Green Smith, Gate City, VA; two loving sons, Josh Smith, Gate City, VA and Andy Smith, Gate City, VA; brother, Elliott and wife, Phyllis Smith, Gate City, VA; sister, Ottalee and husband, Grady Winegar, Knoxville, TN; two very special and much loved granddaughters, Hailee and Makenzey Smith, Church Hill, TN; special friends, Bucky Clabaugh, Don Frazier, Bill Houseright, Charlie Lawson, Pat Loggans, Jack Newland, Billy Quillen, Brent Roberts, Stanley Rogers and Rick Shoemaker.
The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Sunday, March 21, 2010 at Gate City Funeral Home.
A Memorial Service will be conducted at 8 p.m. in the Gene Falin Memorial Chapel with Rev. Grady Winegar and Rev. Emmit Wilson officiating. Music will be provided by Jim Belt Baker, Carolyn McPherson and Tammy Davis.
In lieu of flowers, you may want to consider making a donation in Gilbert's memory to Gate City United Methodist Church, St. Jude's Childrens' Hospital, or a charity of your choice.
Gate City Funeral Home is serving the Smith family.
Condolences
Coach Smith was one of the funniest men I knew.. Intelligent in a way that was subtle yet profound and possessed an uncanny ability to find the humor in almost any situation.. I will always remember him with a smile and in good cheer, will remember his ability to say the right thing at the right time, and will continue to have unwavering faith in his "Magnetic" theory of field position in a close football game...To Gilbert's family, especially to Vicki, Andy, and Elliott, my heart truly goes out to you.. I honestly can't remember the last time I talked to Coach, most likely 10 years ago, but I will always think of him when I think of home.. Our little corner of southwest Virginia has lost someone truly special...
Ed Lane
Posted by: Edward Lane, September 14, 2010
To the entire Smith family...I was so very sorry to learn of Gilbert's passing. I will always remember him fondly. May God be with you all during this difficult time. Much love and prayers, Tod and Jenny (Parris) Stoltz
Posted by: Tod and Jenny Stoltz, April 29, 2010
Vicki, it has been almost 40 years since I have seen you and Gilbert; but I still remember you both very much.
I was a class mate of Gilbert's and yours for many years, and I will remember always how kind he was to everyone. May God hold you and your family in his hand during this time. Brenda Wallace
Posted by: Brenda Quillen Wallace, April 09, 2010
Vikki and Josh,
I'm very sorry to hear about Gilbert, We only really spoke to each other a few times but, when we did talk, he was always very nice to me. I have known you since 1984 and it was not until I met Josh in 2001 that I found out that you and Gilbert was his parents. Vikki, if there is anything I can do please let me know.
Posted by: Mark Nuckels, April 07, 2010
Vicki,
My thoughts and deepest sympathy go to you and your family during this sad time. Since elementary school, Gilbert had always been a favorite classmate. He was a "pillar." It's surreal that he's no longer with us.
Judy Bridwell Middlemas
Posted by: Judy Bridwell Middlemas, March 26, 2010
Dear Vicki and family, we were so sorry to hear about Gilbert's passing. He was a such a good person. Our prayers and sincere sympathy are with you.
Posted by: Steve and Sharon Carriger, March 23, 2010
It is with great sadness that I learned of Gilbert's passing. He was great teacher and coach. My prayers go out to his family and friends.
Posted by: Matt Bressler, March 23, 2010
Dear Vickie
So sorry to hear of Gilbert's passing. Sherry Wells Hill and I always seem to run into you two when we were out eating. I remember Gilbert mainly from when we were all in high school. He was a great athlete, he was in there with the best coach and elite football team during those high school years. You and he were in the same class as Norma Bishop who passed away much too young. She and Gilbert are in heaven reminiscing for sure. I pray that you will be comforted by the prayers and thoughts of all who knew you and Gilbert. He died much much too young. May God comfort you during this time. "No one really dies as long as someone has a memory of them." God Bless you
Posted by: Emma Jean Pierson Ward, March 22, 2010
Gilbert was an outstanding individual. I was saddened to hear of his passing. I was blessed to have known him and to have been his teammate. He will be missed by all. My prayers are for God to comfort Gilbert's family and friends.
Posted by: David Baldwin, March 22, 2010
Vicki-
I have so many great memories of both you and Coach Smith at Gate City High School. He always had a great smile and sense of humor. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Alicia Pruitt Klein
Johnson City TN
Posted by: Alicia Pruitt Klein, March 22, 2010
Vickie,we wish to offer our deepest sympathy to your family.Gilbert will be missed by all. Please remember we will be holding you up to the Lord in our prayers daily.
Debra and Charlie.
Posted by: Debra and Charlie Green, March 21, 2010
Vicy Elliot family Gilbert was an outstanding athlete ,teacher an role model for all young men past an present . . Gilbert will most asuredly be missed. God Bless the Family in this hour of need. Thomas an Debra Chapman 621 Mitchell Rd. #Chapman acres Colonial Hgts Kingsport Tenn 37663
Posted by: Mr. Mrs Thomas A Tony Chapman, March 21, 2010
Gilbert Smith was an outstanding athlete ,teacher an role model for all young men . He will always be considered a lifelong friend to my family as is his older brother Elliott an will surely be missed. God Bless the Family.an please except this email with our sincerest regrets in regards to Gilbert death. Mr. Mrs Thomas A Tony Chapman Colonial Hgts. 621 mitchell #Chapman Acres Kingsport tenn.37663.
Posted by: MR. AN MRS. THOMAS A TONY CHAPMAN, March 21, 2010
Dear Smith Family
So sorry to hear of your loss. May the good Lord be with you and help you cope with the loss of a loved one. You are all part of a wonderful family whom we have grown to know and love. Remember all the joys and good times you all had. Please know that our prayers are with you all.
Joe & Peggy Rusek
Posted by: Joe & Peggy, March 21, 2010
Vicky, Josh, Andy and Family, So sorry to hear about Gilbert. I worked for him at Yuma when he was a principal. Gilbert was good to everyone and so good to the children. You are in our prayers and thoughts.
with love and sympathy, mary evelyn
Posted by: Bill and Mary Evelyn McConnell, March 21, 2010
Vicki-
I am so sorry and saddened to hear of Gilbert's death. He was always so friendly and never failed to asked me how Daddy was doing. May you and your boys feel an extra measure of God's peace during the days to come. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love-
Teresa Martin
Posted by: Teresa Martin, March 21, 2010
May God hold your family in his loving embrace. Mr. Smith made a difference to the many young lives he touched. Through his dedication to his students, he has made to the world a better place. We were lucky to cross his path.
I will continue to your family in my thoughts and prayers
Former student
Kim Moore
Posted by: Kim Moore, March 21, 2010
I worked with your father, Hugh, at HDC. He was sure
a proud one. I rememeber Gilbert playing ball as a young man. My condolences to all the family.
Bill Dickson
Posted by: J.W."Bill" Dickson, Jr., March 20, 2010
Vicki and family,
I am so saddened to hear about Gilbert's death. We always wished each other happy birthday because our birth dates were the same. I am at a loss for words! I'll keep you in my prayers.
Posted by: Marjorie Blalock, March 20, 2010
Vicki and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Gilbert was such a wonderful person. The boys loved having him as a principal at Hiltons and I was privileged to work with him at Gate City. He will be sorely missed by the entire community. Everytime I saw him I always kidded him about calling Levi -Levi Garrett during an awards assembly. We would have a good laugh about it. Vicki, I pray God will wrap his loving and comforting arms around you and yours during this very trying time. I love you.
Love and prayers,
Teresa
Posted by: Teresa Gardner, March 20, 2010
Dear family,
I'm so sorry to hear about Gilbert's passing. He will be sorely missed. I'm sorry that I will be unable to attend his funeral, due to a prior commitment. I have been thinking of you often, and will keep you in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Roger
Posted by: Roger A. Brooks, March 20, 2010
Our thoughts, love, and prayers are with your entire family. Geoffrey and Margaret Coleman Evelyn Coleman Duffield
Posted by: Geoffrey Coleman, March 20, 2010
Vicki and boys,
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Gilbert's passing. I am so sorry for your loss. Gilbert was loved by many and will be sorely missed in this community. I pray that God will wrap his loving arms around you and give you the comfort that only He can give now and in the days to come. With love and sympathy.
Posted by: Rita Barger, March 20, 2010
MRS. SMITH
MY HEART BREAKS FOR YOU. WE WILL BE PRAYING FOR GOD'S LOVE TO COMFORT & FILL YOU DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME. LOTS OF LOVE, MELISSA
Posted by: MELISSA MCMURRAY (GLOVER), March 20, 2010
I am so sorry for your lose and wish I could be there to express my love in person. Mr. Smith was a wonderful man and I loved being around him. I will always treasure the memories I have of him.
With much love and prayers,
Bevelene Wallen
Posted by: Bevelene Wallen, March 20, 2010
Dearest Vicky and family,I am so sorry for your loss Gilbert was a wonderful person and I really thought alot of him he will be surely missed. He was kind and funny and he was just plain friendly he always had a kind word for me and always liked to cut up. I just wanted to let you know how much I thought of Gilbert and to let you know you will be in my prayers. God Bless all of you.
Heather Mccomas
GCMS cafeteria
Posted by: Heather Mccomas, March 20, 2010
Gilbert will be greatly missed and god bless each of you
Posted by: Neal Hensley, March 20, 2010
We are so sorry for your loss! In my ears, it always sounds so hollow to say, "I'm so sorry," but I also know that it is a comfort to hear. I know all of you will miss him so much. I pray for God to comfort you, as only He can.
Vicki, we loved Gilbert! He was such a great person! When he was at Hiltons and Jon was in elementary school, he would listen and listen to me and always offer a positive comment — he was a great listener! All the kids loved him too. He was such a wonderful mentor and role model to all the kids he came into contact with. And he had a great sense of humor! He was a good man who will be sorely missed, not only by his family and friends, but by the Gate City communmity. He will leave a void that cannot be filled.
Gilbert was a Blue Devil through and through. He gave of himself willingly.
Again, please know how sorry we are. Take care.
Love,
Sammy, Becky, and Jon Bellamy
Posted by: Becky, Sammy, and Jon Bellamy, March 20, 2010
Sorry to hear about Gilbert. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Posted by: Rick Ervin, March 20, 2010
R.I.P., Mr. Smith.,
My Heaven receive you with open arms. Thank for the memories. May God keep your family till your all together again.
Posted by: Andrew Lunsford, March 20, 2010
Mr. Smith,
You were one of my favorite teachers. I was in your class 35 years ago. I remember the class ring you wore with the green stone. Although I left Gate City a long time ago, I am sure you will be missed.
Tammy
Posted by: Tammy Fields Boyd, March 20, 2010
Coach Smith was a great man, I really enjoyed the time I got to spend with him while he was coaching at Rye Cove, I will greatly miss him, he tought me so much about the game of football. Coach Smith and Coach Houseright took RC football to another level and I will never forget it. May God bless the family of Coach Smith, because he sure was a blessing on this earth.
Posted by: Coach Robin Hood, March 20, 2010
Coach Smith will certainly be missed by us all in Gate City. My prayers are out to the friends and familly of Coach Smith.
Posted by: Jason Matthew Lane, March 19, 2010
My Mother and I are so sorry to hear about Gilbert's untimely passing.We've lost a great man.It will be difficult for a while,but remember that you'll all be together again someday.He's young again,healthy again...forever!I have fond memories of playing football with him...man,he could hit!Rock on,old friend!
Hang in there,everybody.
Zelma and Joe Floyd
Posted by: Joe Floyd Williams, March 19, 2010
I am very sorry to hear of Gilbert's passing. He was a good man that meant a lot to the community. Clint thought a lot of him. I know you and the community will miss him.
Posted by: Skip Wininger, March 19, 2010
Vicki & family,
Gilbert was truly a great & unique individual. I was blessed to have known him and to work with him. He will be missed by all and especially the sports at GCHS/MS.
Know that you are in my thoughts & prayers.
Posted by: Lana Stallard, March 19, 2010
I am so sad and so sorry to hear about Gilbert's passing, it just doesn't seem real that he is gone. Please accept my deepest sympathy. God will be with you through this time to give you love and strength.
Sharon Lester
Posted by: Sharon Lester, March 19, 2010
Vicki, Josh and Andy, so sorry about your dad. I was just thingking the other day about our Christmas plays at The church back in the good old days. He was always Joseph and I was always Mary( our dark hair got us the spot) I never will forget one year we got so tickled during the play, well what can I say the more we tried to stop the harder it got. We talked about that whenever we ran into each other. He and God must be chuckling now. God Bless you and keep you in his loving arms. Love, Betsy
Posted by: Betsy Humphreys, March 19, 2010
Our deepest sympathys to your entire family as Scott County has lost a wonderful person and a true Gentlemen.
All who knew him where blessed to have encountered him in their Life.
Nelson & Lisa Elam and Children
Michael, Jessica, Garrett & Sarah
Posted by: Nelson & Lisa Elam, March 19, 2010
I graduated from Appalachia High School in 1972. I can remember Gilbert Smith as being a great lineman for Gate City. During the years Gilbert played the coaching staff, players and fans at Appalachia had a lot of respect for his great athletic ability. It is so sad to see his passing. It was sad when Edward Clark, "The Stonega Stallion", drowned while saving the lives of two individuals. It was also a sad day when Coach Tom Turner passed away. I am past president of the Appalachia Athletic Association and a class mate of Coach Turner. I know he had the utmost admiration for Gilbert and the Gate City football program. Great individuals like Gilbert, Ed, Coach Turner and Coach Fry can never be replaced. We are most fortunate to have been able witness the great things they brought to football in Southwest Virginia. Our prayers go out to his loving family.
Posted by: Dale E. Taylor, March 19, 2010
My deepest sympathy to the Gilbert Smith family. Mr. Smith was a favorite teacher of mine at Shoemaker years ago. I will always remember his kindness and sweet smile.
Posted by: Sonja Lane-Moore, March 19, 2010
My deepest sympathy goes to the entire Smith family. Coach Smith was a great man and he will be missed dearly. I hadn't talked with Coach Smith in a number of years but the life lessons he taught as a Coach will never be forgotten. May God Bless your family during this time of loss.
Posted by: Eric Arnold, March 19, 2010
phyllis: so so sorry about the double loss for your family. What a tradegy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ann and Karen
Posted by: Ann Bright, March 19, 2010
Vicki, Elliott and family — I was shocked to hear of Gilbert's death. I had not seen him in several years — we had lost touch particularly after I moved to Kingsport and then to Greeneville. However, I still remember our years at UVA and, of course, growing up in Gate City. I was also an usher at his wedding. I have known Gilbert for probably 55 years, and I have never heard anyone utter an unkind word about him. He was truly one of the "good guys". I wish we had kept in touch over the years.
Our sincere condolences to all the family.
Bill & Joyce Richmond
Greeneville, TN
Posted by: Bill Richmond, March 19, 2010
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