Final Salute

– Gerald Lance Smith, a U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander (Retired), dedicated husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away on October 25, 2023 leaving behind a legacy of selfless service, loyalty, tenacity, compassion, and humor.

Jerry was born November 20, 1945 in Lima, Ohio. He was raised in San Bernardino, California and attended San Bernardino High School (Class of 1964). After high school, Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a “Seabee” (combat engineer) when he was 19 years old and deployed to Dong Ha and Khe San, Vietnam for his first combat tour. After he returned, Jerry attended San Bernardino Valley College and California State University San Bernardino and earned his Bachelors Degree in Physical Geography. In 1974, Jerry graduated Naval Officer Candidate School and commissioned as an Ensign (O-1) in the Navy Reserves. Jerry also served with the Marine Corps 3rd Anglico (Naval Special Operations Airborne) from 1971 to 1993. Jerry had a tenacious work ethic and worked simultaneously as a Technical Engineer for 22 years for ExxonMobil Corp on an offshore oil drilling platform in Santa Barbara, California. Jerry retired from the military as a Lieutenant Commander (O-4) after 29 years of honorable service. Jerry’s dedication to his military service inspired his work as a Veterans Representative for the San Bernardino County Jobs & Employment Services Department. Jerry also worked as a Building Inspector for Cathedral City while attending school for Inspection Technology. Jerry loved to mentor and teach, and also refused to fully retire. At the age of 62, Jerry taught as an Adjunct Professor for Inspection Technology during night classes at San Bernardino Valley College.

Jerry was very proud of his military service, as both enlisted and officer. His words of wisdom (sometimes warning) were, “It’s not the size of the dog, its the bite!” He often shared his background with friends and family and loved attending all of his Seabees reunions. Jerry was particularly proud of his ability to avoid being on a ship, and instead served with the U.S. Marine Corps as a Naval Air Gunfire Liaison Officer and Paratrooper with 3rd Anglico Airborne Special Operations.

Although Jerry often had long hours of work away from home, he carried a profound love for his family. Behind the stern exterior was a man who took immense pride in his role as a father. His love though at times quiet, persisted as an enduring cornerstone shaping the very foundation of his family, leaving a permanent mark in his sons and daughters’ hearts.

Jerry also loved his wife, Linda, with upmost respect. In 1989, while Jerry worked offshore with ExxonMobil Corp, he made good friends with a gentleman originally from the Philippines who happened to be Linda’s uncle. Jerry asked him if he “knew a nice and educated lady” who might be interested in meeting him. His friend told him, “I have a niece who lives in the Philippines. I will first call her mother to let her know, introduce you to my niece, and then you have to do the rest of the work!” Not long after that, Jerry traveled to the Philippines to meet Linda, her parents, and her family. He was always serious about making a solid first impression, and even showed up in a suit! Jerry and Linda married after he returned from Operation Desert Storm/Shield. He cherished her with a tenderness that spoke volumes, a testament to the enduring love that defined their almost 33 years of marriage.

Jerry Smith’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. However, his memory will live on through the countless lives he touched with his wisdom, humor, and unwavering commitment in helping others. He will forever be remembered and his legacy will continue to inspire acts of generosity, strength, and compassion.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Murray Smith, and Ella Davis Smith. He is survived by his older brother, Robert Michael Smith. He also leaves behind his devoted wife, Erlinda Rentoria Smith; his daughters: Jacquelyn Rentoria Smith and Heather Angeli Smith; his sons: Erik William Smith, Edward Gerald Smith, Ryan Kevin Smith, Ian Christopher Smith; and his grandchildren: Lauren Paige Tedder, Gavin Edward Smith, Scott Glen Smith, Sonia Clarice Nordstrom, Alan Gabriel Smith, Talia Catherine Smith, Bennett George Smith, Mackenzie Ella Compton, and Reagan Sharon Leeper.

There will be a Visitation on Friday, December 1st, 2023 from 2:00PM-2:45PM followed by a Memorial Service from 3:00PM-4:00PM at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, UT 84095. The memorial service will also be available via Live Stream at https://jenkins-soffe.com/obituaries/gerald-smith-oct-2023. Jerry’s final resting place will be amongst our Nation’s heroes at Arlington National Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at www.jenkins-soffe.com.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) charity organization or the National Veterans Foundation – Lifeline for Vets, in Jerry’s honor.