George Smith

George Russell Smith of Gainesville, Florida passed away on February 21, 2024.

George was born in Yonkers, New York on June 25, 1940. From a young age, George loved the sport of basketball and played "street ball" as well high school, church and recreational basketball where he met and made numerous friends.

After serving four years in the United States Air Force, he attended Iona College on a basketball scholarship. There, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, and he then enrolled at Hunter College in New York City, where he earned a Master of Arts degree in Sociology. Upon graduation, he worked as an Adjunct Lecturer by assisting faculty and teaching when needed. He was then asked by Hunter College, and agreed, to coordinate the development of the offsite "Institute of Health Sciences" that would subsequently provide ten healthcare graduate and undergraduate programs at the newly established facility. This challenging project was successfully completed in the early 1970's.

George and family relocated to Pennsylvania in the mid 1970's where he worked in healthcare administration ("Kiski Valley Medical Facility") before moving to Gainesville in 1980. Prior to his retirement in 2008, he had a lengthy career in healthcare administration as well as healthcare risk management by consulting for American International Group (AIG) and Cigna. Staying busy in retirement, George served on the Board of Directors of ElderCare, volunteered at the Senior Center, and was President and Treasurer of the Resident Council at The Village Retirement Community in Gainesville.

George was preceded in death by his mother, Julia Ashmall Smith, and his father Richard Smith. Survivors include his wife, Sydney Stayton Smith of Gainesville; a daughter and son-in-law, Christina Lynn and Robert Pettie of Gainesville; and a son, Scott Lawrence Smith of Seattle, WA. George was the oldest of his three siblings with whom he enjoyed sharing memories about their early days together: Brothers David Smith of Yonkers, NY and Ralph Smith of Putnam Valley, NY; and Sister Jean Smith of Kaimosi, Kenya.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Mr. Smith at the Senior Recreation Center, 5701 NW 34th Blvd, Gainesville, Florida, 32653, on Monday, March 11, 2024 from 4:30-7:00 PM. Arrangements are in care of Milam Funeral Home at 311 S Main Street, Gainesville, Florida 32601.