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William Jerry Smith, age 87, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Baptist Health Medical Center - Drew County in Monticello. He was born October 24, 1937, in Russellville, Arkansas, to the late James Roy Smith and Alta Gross Smith. In addition to his parents, Jerry is preceded in death by one brother, Paul Smith.
Jerry's distinguished service in the Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves spanned an impressive 35 years before he honorably retired as a Lt. Colonel.
He was a Fisheries Biologist for 37 years with the Arkansas Game and Fish, which allowed him to give back to his beloved community, including one of his favorite projects, leading the development of Lake Monticello. His academic achievements were recognized with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Arkansas Tech University.
A member of the Monticello Church of Christ, Jerry found joy and comfort in his faith by spending time in fellowship with his church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, coin collecting, drinking coffee with friends, and creating quality memories with his family, whom he deeply cherished.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Laura Smith of Monticello; their daughter Tracy Roberts and husband Ranger Roberts, residing in Southlake, TX; son, Dr. Scott Smith and wife Dr. Celena Smith in Searcy, AR; and six grandchildren, Dr. Trent Roberts, Tori Roberts, Turner Roberts, Sydney Provence, Gentry Smith, and Hadley Smith.
Jerry's family and friends miss him greatly and will gather to celebrate his joyful spirit after the holidays at the Monticello Church of Christ on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. You can sign Jerry's guestbook registry on this page.
Jerry's distinguished service in the Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves spanned an impressive 35 years before he honorably retired as a Lt. Colonel.
He was a Fisheries Biologist for 37 years with the Arkansas Game and Fish, which allowed him to give back to his beloved community, including one of his favorite projects, leading the development of Lake Monticello. His academic achievements were recognized with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Arkansas Tech University.
A member of the Monticello Church of Christ, Jerry found joy and comfort in his faith by spending time in fellowship with his church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, coin collecting, drinking coffee with friends, and creating quality memories with his family, whom he deeply cherished.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Laura Smith of Monticello; their daughter Tracy Roberts and husband Ranger Roberts, residing in Southlake, TX; son, Dr. Scott Smith and wife Dr. Celena Smith in Searcy, AR; and six grandchildren, Dr. Trent Roberts, Tori Roberts, Turner Roberts, Sydney Provence, Gentry Smith, and Hadley Smith.
Jerry's family and friends miss him greatly and will gather to celebrate his joyful spirit after the holidays at the Monticello Church of Christ on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. You can sign Jerry's guestbook registry on this page.