Jerry Malcolm Smith's Obituary
Jerry Malcolm Smith, age 86, of Alachua, Florida, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 1, 2026, surrounded by his family.
He will be remembered as a loving, joyful, thoughtful, positive, patient, and devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, friend, and community and banking industry leader. He impacted many souls by living a life of integrity and generosity inspired by his Christian faith. Jerry was a self-made man from humble beginnings who achieved much through steadfast determination, earnest prayer, consistent hard work and by believing in himself. He was immensely grateful for the opportunities and blessings in his life.
Jerry is survived by the love of his life, his devoted wife of 56 years, Laura Gholson Smith; his daughters, May McDonald Smith Weber and her husband, Dr. Timothy Weber, of Tampa, Florida, and Marjorie Eloise Smith Drummond and her husband, Graham Drummond, of Chiefland, Florida; his brother, Roger Clark Smith and his wife, Agnes, of Tallahassee, Florida; his brother-in-law, Rick Wolfarth of Tallahassee, Florida; and his four grandchildren, Kay Eloise Drummond, Elise Claire Weber, Andrew Smith Weber, and Kate Graham Drummond.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Jane Smith Wolfarth.
Born at home on July 27, 1939, in Greensboro, Florida, Jerry was the son and middle child of Malcolm Nicholson Smith and Marjorie Virginia Clark Smith. His childhood in the Florida panhandle included a large extended family and was centered around Flat Creek Baptist Church and his father’s tobacco farm. He graduated from Greensboro High School, Chipola Junior College and Florida State University where he earned full basketball scholarships at both secondary school institutions as a 6’4” forward. He later graduated from the LSU Graduate School of Banking.
Following college, Jerry began his career as a Bank Examiner for the State of Florida and served his country in the National Guard. In 1971, he and Laura moved to Alachua to follow Jerry’s dream of running a community bank with the purchase the First National Bank of Alachua, where he served as Chairman and President until its sale to Capital City Bank in 2005. Under his leadership, the bank grew more than two hundred-fold and became a cornerstone of the community, helping people achieve their own personal dreams. Jerry inspired both daughters to pursue banking careers and especially treasured the time that they worked with him at FNBA, teaching them valuable professional and personal lessons that continue to bear fruit. Laura was employed at FNBA for many years and Jerry valued the support she unselfishly gave him. He served on the Alachua County Community Board for Capital City Bank after the sale of FNBA, demonstrating his continued investment in the local community he loved so much.
Jerry was deeply committed to civic and professional service. In 1976, he founded the Alachua Chamber of Commerce and was instrumental in shepherding its growth and local impact through his years of leadership and service. Jerry was heavily involved in the Florida Bankers Association, serving as President in 2002-2003. He chaired the City of Alachua’s planning and zoning board, was President of the Alachua Lions Club, and later served on the Board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Jacksonville. His vision and leadership left an indelible mark on both the community banking industry and the greater Alachua community.
A faithful servant and visionary leader of his church, First Baptist Church of Alachua, Jerry was an active deacon for decades, and served as head of the youth department’s Sunday school. He sought wisdom and guidance from God’s word and aimed to live his life so that others would come to know Jesus.
Jerry took pride in savoring a thin and crispy pizza, Taco Tuesdays with friends, ice cream any time of day, dancing with his wife, daughters, and grandchildren and anything related to his beloved FSU Seminoles. He was a talented and creative water skier, impressing many with his ability to slalom from a standing start on shore and on a wooden boat paddle. “Smitty” was an avid golfer and enjoyed time with his “golfing buddies” as well as traveling worldwide to sample new courses. Above all, he cherished his family, and they never doubted how much he fully loved them. He adored and respected his loyal partner in life, Laura, who happily cheered his every interest, pursuit, and accomplishment. Their descendants will always admire their true and pure devotion to one another. He was infinitely proud of his daughters and encouraged and cherished them in every kind and loving way possible at all stages of life. After retirement, he found his greatest joy in spending time with his 4 beloved grandchildren who affectionately called him “Deeda.” He was invariably fully present with them and especially inspired them through his favorite Bible verse, Philippians 4:13, and his favorite saying, “Don’t worry, be happy!” Fond memories of summer vacations exploring all corners of Amelia Island with their young at heart Deeda, leader of “the Beach Crew,” will inspire them to remember that “life is good.”
A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 2PM at First Baptist Church of Alachua, with Pastor Jesse Bryan officiating. The family will receive visitors after the service in the church Family Ministry Center.
For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alachua Chamber of Commerce Building Fund, 14801 Main Street, Alachua, FL 32615, or the First Baptist Church of Alachua, P.O. Box 97, Alachua, FL 32615.
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