Gail White Smith

Gail White Smith born November 10, 1943, passed away on February 22, 2025 at the age of 81. She was born in Burgersdorp and raised in East London, South Africa. Gail Smith concluded her life’s journey in Shannondale Assisted Living, Maryville, TN, after a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family. Gail was a loving wife and mother, who always put family first. She and Ian celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on February 13. They met in Zambia, Africa in December 1964, and married eight weeks later. Their daughter, Beverley, was born five years later. They moved from Africa to England, and then to Tennessee in 1981 for Ian’s position as the President of WYKO Engineering in Greenback. Gail bravely assimilated into their new home in America, helped immensely by the kindness and outreach of their Tennessee neighbors. Gail worked for several years at the Airport branch of First Tennessee Bank. An avid tennis player, Gail met dear friends on tennis courts all over the East Tennessee region over many years.

Gail epitomized grace and beauty, and modeled compassion and strength every single day. She had a loving heart and a spirit for adventure. She enjoyed vacationing with family, including exploring Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, and many of the European countries. She was a fan of professional tennis and golf tournaments, as well as premier league soccer, especially Sunderland Football Club, for whom Ian once played.

Gail always sought ways to give back to her communities throughout her and Ian’s travels across continents and volunteered her time with many organizations, including Hospice, the Blount County Children’s Home, and the Royal Volunteer Service in Britain.

 Her family always saw Gail as the “sun” around whom we all revolved. We take comfort that Gail always knew she was loved and revered by all of us.

She was preceded in death by her father Charles White, her mother Phyllis Ivy White, and her brother Michael White.

 She is survived by her husband Ian Smith; daughter Beverley Borgia; Son-in-Law Stan Borgia; Grandson Graham Borgia; Step-Granddaughter Lindsey Borgia and Family (Jack and Piper); her sister Leith (Llewelyn) Groenewald and Family; her brothers Owen White and Family; Trevor (Rena) White and Family; Christopher White and Family; Sister-in-Law Marlene Addison; Niece Kathryn (Graeme) Young and Family (James, William and Julia); Daughters-in-Law Cindy (Drew) Holwerda and Family; Deedee (John) McCarty and Family; Donna (Steve) Barber and Family.

Family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Friday, March 21, 2025 at Smith Trinity Chapel. Memorial service will be at 7:00 PM at Smith Trinity Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Condolences may be shared through www.SmithFuneralandCremationService.com. Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000 is servicing the family at this time.