George A. Smith

GEORGE A. SMITH

Sunrise - June 13, 1947 – Sunset - December 25, 2021       

“Son, Brother, Father & Friend”

We salute you man of God. We rejoice at your promotion to our King and celebrate your impact as it lives on in us. Thank you for being who you were created to be. We thank God for giving us so much time with you and count it an honor to have served with you on this side. Heaven has gained a great man. 

We love you.      

“For I am now ready to be offered and the time of departure is at hand.  I have fought a good fight.  I have finished my course.  I have kept the faith.  II Timothy 3:5-7

Mr. George A. Smith Jr. was born on June 13, 1947.  He was a proud native of the Motor City, otherwise known as “the mean streets” of Detroit, Michigan, as he would say.  He was born to Mr. & Mrs. George Smith.  Preceding him in death is his father, George Smith, Sr., his mother, Trudie Smith, his sister Patsy Smith, and his beloved son Gabriel Smith.  

As a young man, George enlisted into the U.S. Airforce serving his Country for a short time while stationed in Panama City, Florida.  This was just the beginning for George, who continued to live a life dedicated to service to others, and a life dedicated to God.  In 1982, George became a member at Rainer Temple Church, in Seattle, Washington, where he and his wife Robin met.  Their love story developed and for 37 years George was a devoted husband and friend, married to his lovely wife as they served the Lord together.  George was also an amazing provider and father, often putting his needs on hold to make sure his kids and family were well taken care of.  

George was the friendliest man you could ever meet. He never knew a stranger. He took pride in helping others. Someone could easily be drawn in, through his deep boisterous laugh, genuine smile, encouraging words.  He genuinely showed concern for their life. His zeal for the Lord and life was infectious; He was constantly looking around the room of any restaurant, grocery store, or other public place he visited for that one person that needed a smile or a friendly look.  He was never shy about making sure you were confident about where you would spend eternity.  He had a boldness that is rarely seen today.  George was truly a soul winner for Christ at heart.  

George was an integral part of his Church body.  In 1989 he joined Tabernacle of Praise Church, where for over 30 years he continued his dedication to serving others and inspiring those around him.  He initially served as gatekeeper and eventually was installed to the position of Deacon.  There are many memories of George amongst his church home.  For example, there were many times he took over worship from the pews and it was not unusual for him to stop members in their tracks, whether they were ready or not, to give them a word of scripture.  During men’s retreats he was always one of the first men awake sitting by the fireplace with his bible and in prayer. He was faithful and genuinely shared his faith and love to brothers. He was full of wisdom and principle but humble enough to receive a word from anyone. He was also very teachable and brought strength to others with his encouragement.  He shared many nuggets of wisdom during times of fellowship. His words, presence and contribution to the brothers mean so much more now and will be cherished even more.  For all of us who knew him and his love for the Lord, know that he has taken over the worship in heaven too.  Few words can really describe how valuable and dependable he was to his brothers in Christ.  

As a Boeing employee, George worked hard, and spent 30 dedicated years as a machine-parts storekeeper for the organization.  

After retiring from Boeing, God led George, in 2018 to volunteer with New Day Ministry.  As usual, George was a big blessing!  George was a man of faith, a man of prayer who loved God with everything within him.  He loved the word of God and the work of the Lord.  George would always say “I just want to help in any way that I can”, and he did just that.  He would come early so the team could have a time of prayer for the needs of New Day, for the clients (which were homeless), for the volunteers and for those who supported New Day. 

George was also a leading fundraiser for New Day.  He would go to various Port Orchard stores talking about the mission, opening up hearts and easily bringing in $600 to $700 dollars each weekend in addition to some of his own funds, to bless New Day.  He made it his business to get to know everyone personally and remember their names.  He made everyone feel so welcome and loved when they came into the building, and he’d see them on the street.  Whenever George was not able to come to volunteer, he’d always call and say, “tell my people I love them.”  George was dedicated to God and to God’s people.  

Amongst other volunteer community service, George also served with Youth for Christ Bremerton, visiting juveniles in Detention Centers for 20 years or more.  When not doing ministry work, fishing was one of his favorite past times as well as enjoying meals at new restaurants, barbequing, having cook-offs, and traveling with his wife and children. 

Brother George is simply irreplaceable.  He will be greatly missed.  We will miss his strength, faithfulness, fellowship, laughter and love. You just had to know him to understand how true that is. He was a pillar and the epitome of enduring to the end. Everyone who had the opportunity to know George loved him.  

George A. Smith leaves behind his lovely wife Robin Smith, three sons: George Darrell Smith, Christian Smith, and Timothy Smith; five brothers: Gerald, Billy, Thomas, Robert, Ralph.  Sister, Darlene. Five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, twenty-two nephews and nieces, eight-teen grand nephews and nieces, four great grandnephews and a host of cousins and friends.

The number of memories and fond words about him are numerous and he will truly be missed, but never forgotten.   

Acknowledgements

Special Thanks to Wendy and Christopher Vermalen and Dave and Liz Ranquist for their endearing love and support!

We thank everyone for your expressions of love, phone calls, flowers, and cards. Most importantly, thank you for your prayers during this time.  The kindness that you have shown to our family will never be forgotten.

To Apostle Kendrick and the Tabernacle of Praise family, many thanks to you for everything that you have done.  Thank you for your love, prayers and support!

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