Gerald Leslie Smith

Gerald Smith Obituary Gerald Leslie Smith was a native of Richmond, Virginia, born on September 16, 1949, to the late Willie Smith Sr. and Courtney Jasper Smith. He was one of five siblings. On February 17, 1978, Gerald married his wife of forty-seventy years, Russelyne Brown Smith. They were blessed with a son, Gerald Micah, who was his father’s pride and joy. Gerald was baptized at Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church as a child. He recently reaffirmed his Christian faith under the leadership and ministry of the late Rev. Dr. Sylvester L. Turner. Gerald grew up in the Jackson Ward area and attended Richmond Public Schools, graduating from Maggie L. Walker High School in 1968. He was proud of being a MLW “Mighty Dragon” where he was a standout basketball player and a “Defensive Player of the Year”. Gerald furthered his education at Norfolk State University on an athletic scholarship and was a valued point guard on several championship teams Gerald was employed with the Department of Recreation and Parks in Virginia Beach, VA. Also, he coached basketball at Norfolk Catholic, Norfolk, VA. After returning to Richmond, he worked for the Department of Recreation and Parks at several facilities throughout the city. He next worked for the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club, where he was initially employed as Physical Director and later became the Executive Director. Gerald shared his knowledge and love for basketball by serving as an assistant to Coach Pierce Callaham at Marshall Walker High School and with Coach Walter Penny at Armstrong High School. His final public sector job was with Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Gerald was an entrepreneur, who enjoyed preparing food and serving people. He fulfilled this passion by owning and operating a mobile food and catering service. Gerald received service awards from several organizations, among them were: the Salvation Army Boy’s Club, Randolph Tenant Council, and Marshall Walker High School. Also, he was featured in the Key Awareness newspaper. He was inducted into the Maggie Walker and Governor School Wall of Fame with his 1967-68 Championship Basketball Team. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents Willie and Courtney Smith. Brothers Willie Smith Jr., Robert Smith Sr., and Anthony Smith Sr., sister, Regina S. McFadden, brother-in-law, James W. McFadden, nephews: Anthony Smith Jr., Robert Smith Jr. (Chubby), Xavier Burgess, and niece Katrina Smith. He leaves to cherish his memory; devoted and loving wife, Russelyne B. Smith; a faithful son Gerald Micah Smith; brother, Bolden P. Smith (Aljawana,); Sisters in law; Dorothy Smith, Doris B. Mason, Carolyn Brown, Sandra Brown (Arthur), Kimberly and Michelle Brown; brothers in law; Ricardo Wiggins (Zoretha), Wyatt Kingston (Mary), Ronnie Brown (Brenda), Larry and David Brown; a host of nieces and nephews; most devoted, Montrell and Raven Mason, Raheem Brown, and Regina Smith. Gerald's kindness was evident in how he cared for many nieces, nephews and others who resided in their home. He was loved and admired for his patience, kindness, and generosity. He will be remembered for his faithful service, genuine compassion, devotion to family, friends, and legacy he leaves behind with all who knew him.

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Gerald Leslie Smith

September 16, 1949 - February 10, 2026