Thomas Gideon "Gid" Smith, Jr passed away of a sudden heart attack on Sunday, January 1,
2023, at his home.
Gid was born in Savannah, Ga on January 26, 1963, and has lived in Pooler most of his life. He
was the owner of Aveco Insurance Company (Savannah) for over 25 years before selling it and
pursuing passions and talents that he had been honing throughout his adult life. He was an avid
carpenter and could figure out how to do most anything. Gid was a designer at heart with a flair
for taking ordinary construction and carpentry projects to a notably higher aesthetic. It was a
special gift he had.
Over the past four years he learned to install and finish exotic hardwood flooring (with Joey,
Scott, and Charlie), hang doors and install locks. He was a prolific designer-carpenter, building
staircases, decks, and installing wood fencing, putting up verandas and even outdoor houses
(with a flair!).
Gid was a reader, believer, and doer of God's Word. He kept his Bible close and knew it
contained the keys to life, faith, hope, and love. He loved Jesus...his family...his friends...and his
country. His deep compassion and empathy for people of all walks of life was "Jesus on
display". Many lives were touched by his selfless acts of kindness. HIs charismatic duende drew
them, and his genuine love held them. As a bonus, God gave him an amazing sense of humor!
Gid was a really good athlete and loved sports. As a natural leader, he got great joy from
sponsoring, playing and coaching his sons, as well as adult baseball, football and softball.
Graduating with a 4-year Business Degree from Georgia Southern University was one of his
early accomplishments. Prior to college, Gid served in the United States Army, both stateside
and abroad, from Jan 1984-Jan 1986, coming out as an E4.
Our Thomas Gideon "Gid" Smith, Jr will always be remembered for being a "prince among men"
and a friend to everyone. It can truly be stated that the world is a better place because of his
gentle, loving, indelible heart print.
Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Vickie Lanier Smith; two sons, Thomas G. "Tripper" Smith,
III and William F. "Will" Smith; mother, Linda P Averett, father and stepmother, LTC Thomas G
Smith, Sr. USA RET and Diane (Peewee); two sisters, Kathy McIntosh (Mac) and Diana "Dee"
Smith and Alan; his faithful little doggie girl "Abby"; beloved aunts and uncles, cousins, and
several nephews and nieces.
Visitation will be Saturday, January 7, 2023, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the funeral home. The
service to honor Gid's life will follow at 2 p.m. in the chapel of the funeral home with Pastor
Julie Stanley-Mack presiding. Burial to follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes - WEST CHATHAM CHAPEL - 901 West Highway 80 - Pooler, Georgia (912) 748-2444