Gregory Thomas Smith

In Loving Memory of Gregory Thomas Smith
October 18, 1961 – October 29, 2025

There are some souls whose presence feels like sunlight; warm, constant, and life giving and when they leave this earth, the world does not darken so much as it softens in reverent remembrance of their light. Such a soul was Gregory Thomas Smith, who passed from this life on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at the age of sixty-four.

Gregory was born on October 18, 1961, in Rome, Georgia, to Glenn Tolbert Smith and Alice Willene Bridges Smith. From his earliest days, he carried a tender heart and a spirit of wonder that never faded with age. He saw the world not only as it was but as it could be gentler, kinder, brighter. Those who knew him would tell you that Gregory had a gift for seeing people’s best selves long before they could see it themselves.

He is survived by his devoted husband, Dale Kiroff, the love of his life and the home of his heart. Together they built a life that defied the ordinary, one filled with laughter echoing through the house, quiet mornings shared over coffee, and the sacred comfort of belonging. Their love was steadfast and tender, marked by small kindnesses that spoke louder than any grand gesture. Dale was Gregory’s safe harbor, and Gregory was Dale’s joy.

He is survived by his loving father, Glenn Smith; his sister, Cathi Walker (Larry); niece Heather St. Clair and her children Scarlett, Walker, and Sloane; nephew Rhett Walker (Jessica, wife) and their children Mac, Griff, and Zoe; and extended family Carolyn Bradford, Marlo Nelson, and Roy Kiroff, and their families.

Gregory was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Alice Willene Bridges Smith, whose nurturing love shaped the man he became. She now welcomes him into eternal peace.

Gregory’s laughter was the kind that filled a room and lingered long after the conversation ended. His humor was sweetly mischievous yet never cruel, and he had a way of scattering joy like confetti. He loved animals deeply, believing they carried the same spark of God that he saw in people. He would bend to greet a stray cat, stop to admire a bird, or mourn the loss of a friend’s pet with genuine sorrow. In these small gestures, he showed the depth of his heart.

He had friends from every walk of life, from across oceans and time zones, each drawn to his rare combination of wit, warmth, and wisdom. Gregory never met a stranger because he never saw one, only future friends. His words had healing in them. His presence brought ease, and his love, once given, was steadfast and without condition.

A service to celebrate Gregory’s beautiful life will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Good Shepherd Funeral Home, 2750 Shorter Avenue, Rome, Georgia. Visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m., with the funeral following at 4:00 p.m. Dale, his beloved husband, along with cherished family and friends, will share stories and reflections of a man whose love transformed every life it touched. Gregory will then be laid to rest at Friendship Cemetery in Centre, Alabama, a place of stillness, grace, and enduring love.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Floyd Humane Society or to Friendship Cemetery in Centre, Alabama. Contributions to the cemetery may be mailed to Cathi Walker, 181 County Road 701, Centre, Alabama 35960.

Good Shepherd Funeral Home is honored to have been entrusted with the arrangements.

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