59°
Jerry Wayne Smith
May 28, 1945 – June 24, 2021
Jerry Wayne Smith, beloved husband, uncle, brother, father, and grandfather, passed away on June 24, 2021 in Pasadena, TX at the age of 76. Jerry was born on May 28, 1945 in Paris, TX to Ruby Hamilton Smith and Chastean Smith but grew up in and around Pasadena and graduated from Deer Park High School in 1965.
While in Pasadena, Jerry met the love of his life, Vera Gerelene Putman (Jeri) and they were married on December 27, 1966. Jerry was also a proud United States Navy veteran who served his country from 1965 until 1969. After being honorably discharged, Jerry and Jeri returned to the Pasadena area where Jerry worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber for over 40 years. He received the “Goodyear Spirit Award” for his hard work and dedication to his job.
Jerry was known throughout much of the Pasadena area for running - an endeavor that brought him great joy and resulted in numerous appearances in fun runs, 5K’s, and even the Houston Marathon throughout the 1980s and 1990s. A reserved and dignified man, Jerry disliked attention and accolades of any kind in favor of being a dependable listener who always gave the best advice to those fortunate enough to be close to him. He was also fiercely loyal to his loved ones.
Music was also a great passion of Jerry’s that was certainly inherited by his children, who all have fond memories of their father loudly listening to tunes from his favorite artists, which included Pink Floyd, Harry Chapin, The Moody Blues, Electric Light Orchestra, and countless others.
But nothing brought Jerry more joy than being in the company of his wife, Jeri, who he was honored to be married to for over 54 years. Jerry and Jeri always wanted to have a big family and were blessed with five children of which they were immensely proud. He also took great pride in being a grandfather to his children’s own kids, who affectionately knew him as ‘Poppy’.
Although he never sought attention or acknowledgment, Jerry touched so many lives and was truly a wonderful example of what an exemplary father, husband, and man should be.
Jerry was preceded in death by his mother, Ruby, and father Chastean and is survived by his wife of over 54 years, Jeri, and their five children, Dustin, Jody, Tangie, Brittany, and Tisha and grandchildren Alexandra, Kyle, Gwen, Brody, Brandon, Zane, Aven, Bailey, and Wyatt. Jerry was also survived by his sister Brenda, brother Terry, brother David, and many nieces and nephews.
We sure wish you were here, but are all truly blessed to have been loved by you. Until we meet again.