Gregory S. Smith, of Peoria, passed away at 9:40 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2015, just one day after his 61st birthday, at his home.
Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2015, at First English Lutheran Church in Peoria, with visitation one hour prior to services.
Gregory was born on July 27, 1954 in Peoria, a son of Dewey W. and Colleen D. (Shaw) Smith. They preceded him in death. He married Suz Ann Roelfs on November 24, 1979 in Flatville. She survives.
He is also survived by his daughters, Katherine (Michael) Kenig of Middleton, WI, Rebecca Smith of Fort Worth, TX and Nicole Smith of Arcola; sister, Kimm Perez of Peoria; brothers, Zack (Debbie) Smith of Fairview, TN, Jeff (Sheila) Smith of Daytona Beach, FL and Rod (Corina) Smith of Germantown Hills; and granddaughter, Kinsi Kenig.
Gregory was a loving husband and father, a dedicated volunteer and a hard-worker. He lived a life of service by always putting other’s needs before his own. He taught his family to always do the right thing and to have respect for everyone. Even though he worked many hours, he always made time for his family.
He loved cooking, watching soccer and going to St. Louis Cardinals games. Without exception, he could always recommend a good restaurant (and give you directions on how to get there) in any town or city he’d visited.
Gregory was a member and co-founder of the local chapter of the National Association of Healthcare Underwriters, where he twice served as President, and once as State President. He also served on the Illinois Adequate Healthcare Task Force. He believed that the only way to make a difference was to get involved. He was a member of First English Lutheran Church, where he had served as the Church Council President.
He was an agent for RW Garrett Insurance for twenty-one years, since 1994, and was formerly an agent for Traveler’s Insurance, from 1977 to 1994. For thirty-seven years, he worked in health insurance, helping employers and individuals make good choices in their insurance programs.
Memorial contributions may be made in Greg’s memory to First English Lutheran Church or to the local charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Clary Funeral Home, 3004 West Lake Avenue, in Peoria.
| Lindsay Garrett |
I know a good restaurant... |
August 1, 2015 |
Thanks for the wine and great restaurant recommendation, that early evening in your kitchen. What a great recomendation it was. But the best part of the evening was talking with you. I'll never forget that day. And that's how I'll always remember you. Thank you for welcoming me into your home and for the intriguing conversation. I'm sure in no time you'll be passing out great recommendations in heaven and sharing wine and fascinating conversations. You will be greatly missed by so many. We will celebrate the life you lived and keep all the wonderful memories Dear. God Bless.
I have known Greg for many years through our Professional Association. He was incredibly knowledgeable, kind and worked very hard in all of his various capacities within the Association. Greg was a leader and valued friend. He will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
| Sheri Hokin |
He Was Always One of My Favorites |
September 11, 2015 |
I was a colleague of Greg's in the NAHU and ISAHU world. We went to many Capital Conferences and meetings together and yes, we shared many meals.
He was always one of my favorites. He was always kind, thoughtful, knowledgeable and just wonderful to be around. I have missed being in contact with him over the past few years and I hope that he did not suffer too much.
I just thought it might help to hear from another person whose life he touched and made an indelible impression. My sincere condolences to the family.
May your memories of him bring a smile to your face and a warmth in your heart.
Sincerely,
Sheri Hokin
| Michy Maloof |
Daughter's Friend |
August 8, 2015 |
Nikki, my heart breaks for you and your family. I am terribly sorry for your loss but I know your dad is in heaven smiling down on the strong beautiful women that made his life so special. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
<3
I was very sorry to hear of Greg's passing while we were out of town and disappointed that I was unable to express my condolences in person. Greg was a great friend to me and to our agency, The Unland Companies, for well over 20 years. He was extremely well-respected by his customers, peers and competitors and known as one of the brightest minds in the health insurance industry in Central Illinois. It was always great to see Greg in the office and at various business meetings. We would talk business for about 10% of the time and Family for the other 90%. He was very proud of his family and their accomplishments over the years and it was enjoyable to keep up with everything. However, he had a genuine interest in how everyone else's family was doing and always made sure to keep up with those updates as well. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time......GOD BLESS.
| Pat Taphorn |
Condolences |
August 6, 2015 |
I was very saddened to hear of Greg's passing while we were out of town and sorry for not being here to pay my respects in person. Greg became a good friend to me and our agency - The Unland Companies. He was extremely well-respected as one of the brightest minds in the health insurance business in the area and was held in very high regard by both his peers and competitors. More importantly, our discussions usually centered around 10% of business and 90% Family. He was very proud of his own family and talked about their various accomplishments, but was always genuinely interested in everyone else's family as well. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family........GOD BLESS.
| Bill Sulaski |
A client and friend |
August 2, 2015 |
To Suz Ann and the family of Greg Smith :
I am so saddened by your loss of one very fine gentleman and friend , who was always there when I needed assistance with business and personal insurance issues for so many years at Sulaski & Webb CPAs in Bloomington. Greg never skipped a beat with visits and solutions to our many needs. We even pulled away from our busy schedules to have coffee and lunch together a few times. His friendly smile will be missed and Im sure the many clients he serviced will share your loss of a terrific guy that I felt honored to know as a friend.
Bill Sulaski
