Gerald "Paw Paw" Umstead

Gerald Smith Umstead, age 73, of Lyles, TN passed away on August 1, 2023 in his home surrounded by his family. 

Gerald was born on November 6th, 1949 in Carroll County, TN. Like many of the young men in his era, he joined the military in 1968 and selflessly went to serve his country in the US Army. He spent two years stationed in Germany before being sent to Vietnam. Shortly after he returned from Vietnam, he married Dale (the love of his life and wife of 51 years) at Westview Baptist Church in Kingston Springs in 1971. He worked and retired from Ford Glass Plant in 2001 after 30 years of service. He loved his family and enjoyed hunting, fishing and a good western movie. Summer was always his favorite season when he could sit on his front porch and enjoy the warmth. If you lived in Hickman County, there was a good chance that you caught yourself behind him driving down an old country road, smoking his pipe and looking for the local eagle's nest. He appreciated a good steak, cold beer and a good laugh. He never met a stranger and believed you always helped your family, which included friends and acquaintances alike. He gave all he could and was loved by anyone who met him.

Gerald was preceded in death by his father Lloyd Wayne Umstead, mother Robbie Jo Judd and brother Lloyd Freeman Umstead. Survived by his loving wife Dale Umstead, son Michael Umstead (Sarah), daughter Alisa Keller (Matthew), sisters Pamela Wilson, Vickie Alsup, Kim Flowers and 11 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 

There will be a visitation Monday August 7, 2023 from 10:30 am until the Celebration of Life 1:30 pm all held at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home 9090 Highway 100, Nashville, TN 37221.