SMITH Gerald Lester Smith passed away peacefully at Brightview Nursing Home, Avon on Saturday, September 15, 2007, after a long battle with Parkinsons and Alzheimer's disease. Gerry was born in Sanford, FL on July 9, 1930. He attended the University of North Carolina, graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.A., then received a law degree at the University of Florida. He served his country two years in Germany with the Army. An avid sports enthusiast, he enjoyed golf, bowling and played baseball as a teenager. For 37 years, he and Penny were residents of Avon. He also loved the church and was involved in the early days of the Valley Community Baptist church in Avon, where he started the Saturday morning men's breakfast fellowship. He also served as an elder at VCB church for many years. Having worked for the Travelers Insurance Company for over 30 years, he retired in 1990. He is survived by his beloved wife, Penny, now of Canton; and two sons, Steve of West Suffield and Greg of Portland, OR and their wives, Cindy Gaffney Smith and Cecil Reniche-Smith; and two granddaughters, Robyn and Shannon Smith. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 22, 11 a.m. at the Valley Community Baptist Church, 590 West Avon Rd., Avon. Immediately following the service, a light lunch will be served. There are no calling hours. Burial will be in Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, VA at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Deacon's Fund, c/o Valley Community Baptist Church, 590 West Avon Rd., Avon, CT 06001. For online condolences, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com . Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com