Gerald Bentley Smith

Gerald “Gerry” Bentley Smith, 77, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 with Collie by his side. He was born on July 20, 1941 in Sour Lake, Texas to Ann and Fred Smith. Gerry worked as a fireman in Beaumont, Texas. He began his law enforcement career with the Albuquerque PD.  Seeking a better opportunity he struck out for Alaska with his wife and two small children in a cab-over camper in order to make application with the Alaska State Troopers.  Upon acceptance and completion of the academy, he worked in Juneau, Petersburg and then investigations in Anchorage. He was very proud to be a member of the Troopers competitive pistol team but the relationships he developed with his colleagues were more important than the competition. Along the way he had many unique experiences and made many wonderful friends. He thoroughly enjoyed the beauty and activities of Alaska with his family and friends. Upon retirement, Gerry moved back to Beaumont to enjoy year round golf, and began to paint again, which was a hobby he learned from his Grandmother Bentley. His marriage to Collie Notias 24 years ago, took him to Crosby, Texas.  There he enjoyed golf, fixing things, growing tomatoes and other vegetables in his backyard garden, making sure the birds were well fed, attending and helping at church, and creating masterpieces with oil and watercolor paints. He loved to help others and support charity events. “Bras for the Cause” was his charity of choice. Gerry was an adventurous, generous, comical and giving man who will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his parents Ann and Fred Smith, his former spouse Flonita Parker Smith, and his son Bentley Cookson Smith.

Gerald is survived by his wife Collie Smith; son Frederick D. Smith and wife Svetlana; daughters Catherine McArdle and Maggie Clapp; daughter-in-law Melinda Smith; grandkids Zachary Smith, Anthony Smith, Leah Smith, Addisyn McArdle, and Kyle Howell; brother James Ross Smith and wife Erin; and sister Suzanne Smith Day and husband Mike. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family, golf buddies and many friends.

A celebration of Gerry’s life will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 6, 2019 at the Crosby United Methodist Church, 1334 Runneburg Rd, Crosby, TX 77532. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sterling White Funeral Home, 11011 Crosby-Lynchburg Rd., Highlands, Texas 77562. To send the family condolences please visit www.sterlingwhite.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Crosby UMC, www.crosbyumc.org; Bras for the Cause c/o Crosby Fair & Rodeo, www.crosbyrodeo.com; or the charity of your choice.