Gilbert Lee Smith

Gilbert Lee Smith ( a.k.a Malone) was born on January 15, 1933 to the union of the late Welton Sr. and Lola Smith, in Detroit, Michigancounty of Wayne. Gilbert was the second eldest of 5 brothers: Welton and Leon ( both preceded him in death), Amir and Garnis. Gilbert joined the United States Army aand served for two years and was honorably discharged in 1954. Gilbert and Jackie wew married in 1968. Gilbert excelled at several jobs during his lifetime, most notably as a welder/ship builder at Todd Shipyard in San Pedro, California. During his life, Gilbert enjoyed spending time at home with his wife Jackie and the rest of the family. He also enjoyed traveling, cooking, roller skating, riding his bike and tending to his "honey-do" list. Gilbert considered himself a jazz enthusiasts and loved listening to his favorites: Miles, Sarah Vaughn, Coltran and Charlie "Bird" Parker (just to name a few). On Sunday, January 15, 2012, Gilbert Lee Smith departged this life. Left to celebrate his memory are his wife, Jackie; daughters, Shannon and Kerri; sons, Edward, Thomas (skip) and Darryl; and a host of grand-children, great grand-children, nieces, nephews, neighbors, co-workers and friends.