Gerald Lee “Jerry” Smith, Sr.
Gerald Lee “Jerry” Smith, Sr., 80, went to be with the Lord on Friday, December 11, 2020. He graciously joined Heaven with his parents Carl and Vera Smith, brother Dave and sisters, Shirley, Edith, Helen, Donna, Evelyn and Elizabeth, his grandson Timothy, and his faithful dog Max. He is survived by his loving “Sweetie Pie” wife of 60 years, Helen and his brother Roger. His 5 children, Janet (Roger), Teresa (Jeff), Jerry Jr., Mark (Becky), Mike (Jackie). Grandkids- Paula (Casey), Jimmie (Heather), Joe (Shannon), Dana. Tawnee, Thomas, Tiffany (Jeff), Tabitha, Trina, Terry. Ian and Riley. Michael and Nichole (Cory). 23 Great Grandkids and 2 Great Great Grandkids.
Jerry served honorably in the United States Air Force after which he worked over 40 years for General Motors. After his retirement, he worked an additional 10 years with the Lansing School District.
Jerry enjoyed cooking and baking for his family and traveling with his loving wife. He loved golfing with his sons, auto racing and coaching floor hockey. He also loved relaxing while doing his crossword and sudoku puzzles. He was a diehard Spartan fan and a loyal Lions fan. Most of all he loved laughing, joking and playing games with his family.
A memorial of Jerry’s life will occur at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15th at Journey Life Church (2289 N. Cedar St., Holt). Visitation begins at 3:00 p.m. at the church. A graveside service and military honors to immediately follow at Maple Ridge Cemetery, Holt. A celebration of his life will follow at 5:00 p.m. at Building Twenty One (1284 N. Cedar Road, Mason).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to VFW Post #701, 123 N. Rosemary St., Lansing, MI 48917 and/or Journey Life Church in Holt. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel.
12 Messages to “Gerald Lee “Jerry” Smith, Sr.”
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linda l cole-goldberg
December 12, 2020 at 3:54 pmso sorry to hear about jerry. i worked with jerry at pattengill. i lost my husband on august on
august 15,2020. jerry was a hard working man and a good friend to work with. I know what you are going thru. if you need someone to talk to dont hestite to call me. my phone # is 517 485-4429 and cell phone # 517 575-8706 please take care and god bless you
Tawnee Tillotson
December 13, 2020 at 1:54 pmGrandpa I love you!! I can’t believe you’re really gone!! You were my father growing up!! You were always there with a smile on your face!! You have taught me so much!! You were one of the first to hold all my kids!! When I had my 1st baby no one was allowed in the hospital because of H1N1, but you somehow got in with Grandma lol!! You walked me down the isle!! You showed me so much strength and love!! You taught me what to look for in a husband!! Its not going so well Grandpa lol!! I will miss your face, laughter, smart remarks, comebacks, everything!! You will forever be missed!! RIP Grandpa!! I will see you again one day!! Never forgotten!! F**k Cancer!!
Sandy White
December 13, 2020 at 3:20 pmSo sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. I had the privilege of working with him at Pattengill. He was a very hard working, kind hearted, and all around great person. Always stepping up to help when needed without ever being asked. I feel very blessed to have known him and to have worked with him. I will always have great memories of Jerry. May he Rest In Peace. My deepest sympathy for your loss.
Sandy White
Eddie Moore
December 13, 2020 at 3:38 pmOur prayers are with you all. Jerry was a great person with a heart of gold. He will be missed.
Blanca Salais
December 13, 2020 at 7:51 pmSo sorry to hear about Jerry .He was a hard working . I will always have a great memories of Jerry. My deepest Sympathy for you loss. May he Rest In Peace.
Ed Hay
December 13, 2020 at 9:42 pmMike, Jackie, and the entire Smith family. I was saddened when hearing of Jerry’s passing. He was a gracious and kind man. He treated me like one of his own sons. I know he will be deeply missed. I pray the Lord comforts all of you during this difficult time.
Charlotte Moore
December 13, 2020 at 10:01 pmJerry was a very loving and caring man.Much respect to him for his journey thru life with his family.He will be sadly missed and loved by all.
Sharon Wey
December 13, 2020 at 10:16 pmUncle Jerry you are now reunited with your parents and siblings and rejoicing with Jesus Christ. I’m so heartbroken that your smile and laughter are no longer, but I will always remember it. It’s one thing that the Smith family had was that distinct laugh. And even when times were hard you had an infectious smile. Thank you for the help you gave my family and for being a great Uncle. I love you Rest Peacefully…. Sharon
Maxine Burkhardt
December 14, 2020 at 4:39 pmMy heart goes out to Aunt Helen and the whole family. As you know Jerry and I went to school together and even walked down the aisle at graduation together. Whenever I wanted to tease him I would stand at the end of the hallway at Perry High School and yell hey Uncle Jerry where are you going? He would just shake his head, smile and wave me off. He was a great person and will be missed by all. Love you Uncle Jerry Maxine
DaveWalimaki
December 14, 2020 at 4:58 pmA sad goodbye to Uncle Jerry. More laughter in Heaven. My condolences to Aunt Helen, and their family. I’ll miss his smile at gatherings, but his presence will be eternal, as it is with his siblings. RIP, Uncle Jerry.
Jerry & Lynn Smith
December 14, 2020 at 8:34 pmDear sweet Helen ,our hearts hurt for you and your family Our God will be so close to you in these coming days, lean on him.. Growing up together in W.Va as childhood friends, a friendship that’s lasted over 50 plus years, I have been blessed to know you a dear sweet person, my friend. We had the pleasure of meeting Jerry 2003 He was as sweet as you, so kindhearted. you 2 were a beautiful married couple. A love story most dont have a privilege of sharing. You found me after 20 years, what a wonderful day we got together again. Married men with same name like minds work good together. Please feel my arms around you, I’m here any time night or day, just a phone call away. God be near all your family. Hes only a breath away. Sincere Love, Jerry & Lynn Smith
Rhonda Lewis
December 15, 2020 at 8:28 amI was so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Jerry at Pattengill Middle School. What a great guy! Always greeting me in the mornings with that great smile. He was one of the best!! I will miss you my friend. GO GREEN.