Gilbert Alan Smith

Gil was born in Cleveland, Ohio and graduated from Max S. Hayes High School in his hometown. After high school he attended Ohio University where he received a bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications and later worked for WKID Channel 51 in Miami, Florida as a Field Photographer until 1986. In November 1986, he moved to Jacksonville, Florida where he worked at WJKS Channel 17 as a Videotape Operator.

In May 1988, he joined the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO), where he served as an officer on the Northside of Jacksonville, Gil went on to serve as a Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) officer, and JSO Public Information Officer. Gil served his last years with the agency as a Detective in the Civil Unit until his retirement 2014.

After his retirement, Gil worked as the Crime and Safety Analyst for WJXT Channel 4 where in 2015, he was awarded a Suncoast Emmy for his contribution to a series of reports titled “Shoot, Don’t Shoot.” Gil

retired from Channel 4 in 2018.

Gil lived his life to the fullest. He was kind, funny and quick witted. He enjoyed the smooth sound of jazz, the competitiveness of sports, and expanding his mind by being an avid reader of nonfiction books. Gil’s love for books earned him the affectionate title, “The family encyclopedia.”

On January 29, 1994, Gil married his bride, Lolita (Savage). During their 28 years of marriage, the couple learned that with Christ as the head of their lives, their love for each other could endure all things. Gil and Lolita enjoyed travelling. Their most memorable trips were to London, France, Italy, and South Africa.

Gil loved his children dearly and he thanked God for covering, shaping, and directing them into young adults who accepted the sovereignty of Christ over their lives. He was proud of his son, Phillip, for the way he leads, love, and protects his family. Gil treated his daughter, Kayla, as if she was a princess. Gil often said, “Kayla is going to do great things for the Lord.” Gil believed that his bonus daughter, Brittany, was hand selected by God to marry Phillip. His grandchildren, Leo and Lennox held a special place in his heart.

During a moment of reflection, Gil shared that his most meaningful and life changing journey began in 2018, when he surrendered his life to Christ. Gil thanked God for placing numerous God-fearing men (Brothers) in his life who taught, guided, and most importantly loved him (Men of Julington Baptist Church, Spiritual Warriors Advancing Truth (SWAT), Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), Faithful and True of Jacksonville, Inc, and Deacon Steve Johnson- New Zion Missionary Baptist Church- Clearwater, Fl).

In September 2019, Gil was diagnosed with incurable pancreatic cancer. On September 30, 2019, Gil wrote, “My prayer is for me to serve God for his glory for the rest of my life. If that is one month or 20 years.” Gil’s prayer was answered. Gil served faithful on the security team at Julington Baptist Church. He served on numerous food giveaways, and he organized a men clothing giveaway to benefit homeless men and men released from prison. Most importantly, he carried out the great commission by spreading the Gospel every where he went.

Gil is preceded in death by his father and mother (Winston and Era Smith) and brother (Vincent Smith).

Gil is survived by his wife, Lolita, son (Phillip Jackson Jr. / wife-Brittany), daughter (Kayla Smith), grandsons (Leo and Lennox), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, brother and sister in laws and friends. Gil loved spending time with his family and his friends.

A memorial service for Gilbert will be held Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 11:00 AM in Julington Baptist Church, 12740 Snyder St., Jacksonville, FL 32256. A committal service will occur Monday, March 14, 2022 at 11:00 AM in Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32218.

Arrangements by HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME OF MANDARIN 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. (904) 288-0025