Gerald Edward LaBoone, 79, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 26 after a short battle with cancer. Gerald was born in Franklin, North Carolina on May 9, 1942 to Harvey and Pallie LaBoone. The LaBoone Family moved to Newport News, Virginia when Gerald was a teenager and he attended Warwick High School. Gerald met the love of his life, Gloria Carmines, on April 22, 1961. They were married in a small ceremony on March 1, 1964. Gerald served in the U.S. Army from 1966-68. Gloria, Gerald, and their son, Alan, moved to Smithfield, Virginia in the early 1980s where they owned and operated the Smithfield Downs Golf Course. Gerald cared very deeply for the Smithfield High School (SHS) athletics programs, especially the golf team. He was known in the community for allowing the SHS golf team to practice and play tournaments at Smithfield Downs for free. He also organized and hosted their Celebrity Golf Tournament, an important annual fundraiser. Gerald also assisted with several improvements to the athletic fields at SHS. After the golf course closed in 2006, Gerald remained active through his other business, The Industrial Group, where he worked with his son and Faye Seeley, his loyal Office Manager and friend. Gerald LaBoone was predeceased by his sister, Sybel Hunt. He is survived by his wife, Gloria, and his son, Alan. He is also survived by his brother, Charles, and two of his sisters, Violet Danbrá and Sharon Pletcher. Gerald is also survived by a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and many other loving family members. A celebration of life will be held at St. Luke’s Historic Church & Museum on Sunday, March 27 at 2 p.m. at 14477 Benn’s Church Blvd., Smithfield, VA 23430.