Obituary
Guest Book
1943
2016
Gerald Sherman (Jerry) Smith, Jr. was born September 14, 1943 to Gerald Sherman Smith, Sr. and Edith Burkhalter Smith in Texarkana, Arkansas, both of whom have now greeted him into Heaven with open arms. He left this world on Monday, December 5, 2016 after a courageous battle with COPD.
Jerry is survived by his incredibly loving and devoted wife of 47 years, Jean, and their son Jerry-Mike of Texarkana, sister and brother-in-law Barbara Smith and Mike McClendon of Greenville, and brother-in-law Jerry Graves and his wife Ann. Jerry also leaves behind his grand-daughter Shannan LeAnn and three great grandchildren. He was the very special "Uncle Jerry" to loving nephews and nieces, including Buff, Jimmy, Shannon, and Edie; and will be missed by cousins, other relatives, and friends.
He attended school in Texarkana from Grim Elementary School through graduation at Texarkana Senior High School. He married Gloria Jean Graves in 1970, and God blessed them with their son Jerry-Mike in 1974.
He was a member of Rose Hill Baptist Church and First Baptist Church. Jerry's 38-year career involved being a Yard Master for the Cotton Belt Railroad (later known as Union Pacific Railroad).
Jerry was an avid golfer. He was rightfully proud of his hole-in-one made at Oak Grove Country Club and another hole-in-one at South Haven Golf Course. Jerry had numerous dogs, cats, and goats which he loved and treated like part of the family.
Jerry was easy to love and fun to know.
The celebration of his life will be held at East Memorial Chapel-Moores Lane with Dr. Jeff Schreve officiating on Thursday, December 8, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.
The family extends special gratitude to the sensitive and knowledgeable staff at Hospice of Texarkana on Galleria Oaks Drive, whose service to Jerry and his family went above and beyond the call of duty. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a memorial in Jerry's name to Hospice of Texarkana – a little piece of Heaven. Online tributes can be posted at www.eastfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 8, 2016
Jean I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. Your friend Debbie West
December 8, 2016
Jerry was my friend! Always kind and thoughtful to me in our visits.
Grace and peace to all of his family.
T. Wayne Price
Refugio, TX
December 7, 2016
Mike & Jo Goodson
I have been proud for the last 61 years, to have called Jerry my friend. We were classmates, grades 7-12, co-workers on the railroad, partner coaches in Texarkana pee-wee baseball and good friends for all of that time. I was there at his marriage and our families were close. Jean and Jerry Mie, our prayers are with you at this time of your loss.
December 7, 2016
Jeff Hunter
I remember our time as classmates like it was yesterday. Very sorry for your loss and best wishes for your family in this sad time. Jeff Hunter
December 6, 2016
Kathy Pickett
Condolences to Jerry's wife and family on his passing. I always knew him as Red in school and could never graduate to call him Jerry. He was so full of life and could always make me laugh! It's sad to be losing another classmate, and I will miss him on Facebook. RIP, Red. You will be missed by many.
December 6, 2016
Donna Williams Sharp
I will miss this almost lifelong friend and high school classmate. Jerry was "one of a kind." My prayers are with Jean and family as you grieve his passing.
December 6, 2016
David Guest
I thought of Jerry "Red" as a true friend. He was a happy person and passed it on. I was in school with him from the first grade till graduation. He will be missed. We send our love and prayers to the family. David and Pat.
December 6, 2016
Prayers for comfort and peace at this time. Mary Lou Court
December 6, 2016
jerry Red smith
prayers to the family and Jean
worked with RED on the RR
good guy
December 6, 2016
A SPECIAL PRAYER GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY FROM THE ALTOMS.HE WILL BE TRULY MISSED HERE ON EARTH BUT HE WILL BE TAKEN CARE OF BY THE BEAUTIFUL ANGELS IN THE SKY.MAY GOD BE WITH YOU ALL. BIG "A"/PEGGY
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