Gerald Cole Smith, 94, of Canyon Lake, Texas, passed away peacefully at Connally Memorial Medical Center, Floresville, Texas, on August 9, 2023, with his loving wife, Vem, by his side.

Gerald was born in Fostoria, Ohio, on April 20, 1929.  His family moved to San Antonio when he was very young.  He attended Peacock Military Academy and Graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School, San Antonio. Upon graduation, he moved with his family to Korea for a short time before returning to the U.S. to attend Milwaukee School of Engineering. After receiving his degree, he was drafted into the Army  during the Korean War.  When his military service was completed, he returned to San Antonio.  Gerald then began a long career with Friedrich Air Conditioning Company.

He also worked in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, over five years for Al-Zamil Refrigeration Industries as Manager of Product Engineering.  He then returned to San Antonio and resumed employment with Friedrich.

Gerald"s second love, after engineering, was designing and building his homes.

He and Vem built his third and final home at Canyon Lake, where he lived happily after Retirement.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Estel Smith; his brother, Weldon and wife, Luetta; sister Shirley Puro and husband, Lee; Betty Horn Smith, the Mother of his sons; brothers-in-law Hilton Mangum and Wiley Walker.

Gerald is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Vem Brock Smith; sons Clay (Annette) Smith; Craig (Laura) Smith;  Step Children, Kevin (Karen) Brock; Kimberly Brock (Benny) Cartlidge; sisters-in-law, Melba Mangum and Evelyn Walker; 10 Grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; nephews and nieces.

Memorial Service will be at Doeppenschmidt Funeral Home, Sattler, Texas on Monday, August 28, 2023.  Visitation begins at 9:30 AM followed by Memorial Service at 10:00 AM.  At 1:30 PM, the family will have a private Military Ceremony and Interment at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas.

Gerald was a member of the Presbyterian Church.  In lieu of flowers, donations may Be made to Canyon Lake Presbyterian Church, 230 Shepherd Hill Dr., Canyon Lake, Texas 78133.