Gilbert Hill Smith Sr.

Gilbert Hill Smith Sr., was born in Maxton, North Carolina, to the parents of Lillie and Leonadas Smith on July 29, 1924. Gilbert is preceded in death by his wife Ferne Smith, of 30 years of marriage, nine brothers and sisters, his son, Firefighter, Gilbert Hill Smith, Jr., grandson, David Abram, step-granddaughter, Emilia Chalk and step-son Summer R. Gipson aka Beaver. His surviving children are Bonnie-Gay L. Horton, Seattle, Wa, Renee K. Dennard, Azusa, Ca. Beverly R. Anderson, Seattle, Wa and step-son Bobby Chalk Jr. El Sobrante, Ca. He is also survived by grand-children, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Gilbert lived in Maxton North Carolina until the age of 14 when he joined the CC camp in North Carolina. He later joined the United States Navy and was stationed in Farragut, Idaho, and made several trips to Helena, Montana where he met and married Joan Allen. Of this union they had four children. Gilbert later relocated to Spokane, Washington where he worked full time at Jones R Jones Chrysler Corporation and later, Dishman Dodge. He worked part time at the Spokane Club, and as a janitor at Russann’s Dress Shop.

Gilbert’s passions included working in his yard with his gardening expert Danna. They spent many hours in the yard together planting and pruning. His other hobbies were, as we all know, fishing, singing westerns songs, playing the juice harp and performing the Hambone. In recent days he was rockin on his front porch waving at every car that passed by and honked their horn, even if he was asleep. But before the front porch he enjoyed his partying too.

Gilbert’s dress attire was western wear, way before it became fashionable. He was a western dress icon in Spokane. Gilbert lived his life as he wanted and followed no set rules, just live, love and enjoy. He spoke his mind and was respected for that. He also knew how to enjoy life with family and friends…. Spokanites…. Ya all know him as Smitty and how the weekends went….. party!!!!

So Daddy, Smitty, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Great Great Grandpa, Uncle…

KEEP ON ROCKIN AND A TUBIN

…Happy Trails to you till we meet again.

A Funeral Service will be held November 4th, 2017 at 12:30pm at Hazen & Jaeger Funeral Home, 1306 N Monroe St., Spokane, WA, 99201, followed by a Graveside Service at Greenwood Memorial Terrace, 211 N Government Way, Spokane, WA 99224. A repass reception hhwill be held at Calvary Baptist, 203 East 3rd Avenue, Spokane, Washington, 99202.