Jerry Smith

Jerry Van Smith Sr. was born in Etowah County, Alabama to J.L. and Viola Inez Tinsley Smith. He was a resident of Gadsden/Fort Payne, Alabama before moving to Mobile Alabama. Jerry was a longtime, valuable employee of Smith's Bakery (later known as Sara Lee Bakery) for over 40 years.

Preceded in death by his son, Jason Paul Smith, his Mother- Viola Inez Tinsley Smith, his Father- Jay Leonard Smith, his Mother-in-law- Pauline Jernigan White, his Father-in-law- Mark White and several siblings.

Survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Carol Sue White Smith, his son Jerry Van Smith Jr., Daughter- Debbie (Johnnie) Stokes, Daughter-Teresa (Michael) Harvison, Son-Jeffery (Katelyn) Smith, Daughter- Kelly (Joseph) D'Angelo, Daughter- Laura (Josh) Morie and Foster Daughter -Danielle Mary (known as Danny). Granchildren- Kyle, Kaylea Joshua, Brandon, Colin, Micah, Hope, Presleigh, Nikki, Ashleigh, Gabriel, Joseph, Kayleigh, and Samuel. Greatgranddaughter Amari, his sister Shirley (Joe) Nelson

Jerry was so fond of his birthplace and spoke highly of the well-known landmarks that surrounded his childhood residence, including Sand Mountain (where the biggest, best tomatoes are grown), Overlook Mountain, Noccolula Falls, Little River Canyon (where he spent much of his childhood playing and exploring as a young boy), and Porterville. He would often tell of the memorable family gatherings and reunions with the Smiths, Tinsleys, Stephens, Bro. Jones, the Owens, and the Cooks. The yearly Decoration Day (which consisted of the cleaning of the cemetary grounds, reconnecting of the families and ending with dinner on the grounds) was always an event that was well-respected and attended by all of Jerry's family and extended family.

He was introduced at a very young age to on-the-job training (starting with bicycles and tractors), and he quickly became a masterful mechanic of all types of engines (cars, trucks, and tractors) which was his first hobby and love, leading to his sons and grandsons later adopting the love of all things cars (antiques and model cars).

In addition to Jerry's exceptional mechanical skills, he could have been a weatherman by accuracy and was often right about the incoming weather patterns. He gave expert gardening advice from his experience of growing up on a farm. We could always count on him checking on his children and grandchildren daily. Not everyone has experienced the honor of a husband, father and grandfather with such love and dedication. We grieve because we've experienced his love, patience, empathy, dedication, and knowledge, but we also rejoice, because his loving wife Susie, his children and grandchildren know where he is. We know we will be reunited when the last trumpet sounds or when we are called home. As Jerry told his daughter Laura a few days ago, "God is beautiful." Jerry was right, he now experiences that unequal beauty of Heaven, Jesus, his son Jason and his other family members that went before

him, and he will be there when each of us reach Heaven's shore.