Jerry Edward Smith

SMSgt (ret) Jerry Edward Smith of Wetumpka, AL, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 21, 2023, at Bill Nichols State Veterans Home in Alexander City, AL. He is preceded in death by his father, Willard Smith, mother, Evelyn Burchett, and sister Imogene Stone, all of Marble Hill, Missouri. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Kay Van Matre Smith, daughter Erin Reilly, and sons Samuel Andrew (Shannan) and Phillip Matthew (Heather). He had seven grandchildren, Collin Andrew (Anna), Kaitlynn Elizabeth, Christopher Dean, Brooke-Lynne, Kaebrie Grace Ann, Noah Edward, Kaili Marie Zhu, and one great-grandchild, Adriana Lynne.

Jerry was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on October 31, 1943. He attended Woodland High School in Lutesville, MO, and graduated in 1961. Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Air Force upon graduation and attended basic training at Lackland AFB, TX. Next, he received training as a civil engineer and attended tech school at Sheppard AFB, TX. He had many job duties in this career field but a specialty in portable runway systems used in combat situations. This was put to use in 1966 when he was sent to Vietnam as part of the Air Force's Red Horse Squadron in Phan Rang. After completing his tour of duty in Vietnam, he returned home and continued his career for a total of 20 years with numerous duty stations in the U.S. and abroad. Some of his awards include the Meritorious Service medal, AF Commendation Medal, AF Outstanding Unit award, AF Good Conduct with five devices, National Defense Service medal, Vietnam Service medal, Humanitarian Service medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal.

After his retirement, he moved his family to Marble Hill, MO, where he restored an 80-year-old home, worked for the Bollinger County School district, and went to school to become a respiratory therapist. Upon graduation, he accepted a position at Jackson Hospital in Montgomery, AL. He then went to work for Steris Corporation, where he excelled in building state-of-the-art surgical tables used in hospitals across the U.S. He was a devout member of Mulder Church in Wetumpka, AL, and a former deacon of Grace Presbyterian in Montgomery, AL.

Jerry had many hobbies, including wine-making, beekeeping, motorcycle riding, gardening, and golf. His passions were his wife, Kay, and serving his Lord in the church in whatever capacity he could.

A family and friends' visitation for Jerry will be held Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 1:00 pm at Leak Memory Chapel, 945 Lincoln Rd, Montgomery, Alabama 36109. A celebration of life chapel service will follow at 2:00 pm. A graveside committal service will occur Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 11:00 am at Alabama National Cemetery, 3133 Hwy. 119, Montevallo, AL 35115.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Leak-MC.com for the Smith family.