Jerry was born on February 29, 1936, in the front room of his grandparents' house in Florence, MS.   He went to be with the Lord in his home surrounded by his family on Tuesday evening July 9. He grew up in Jackson but graduated from Clinton High School where he was an outstanding athlete setting state records in the mile run and the 880.  After graduating from high school, he attended Mississippi College on a track scholarship.  He later finished his accounting degree in accounting from The University of Mississippi. While working in Jackson at First National Bank in 1957, he met the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on, Dixie Kelley.  They fell in love and were married on July 16, 1957, and spent 67 wonderful years together. Jerry spent the first part of his professional life working in finance for RCA and Whirlpool, and after graduating from Ole Miss, worked for Faulkner Concrete Pipe Co. of Hattiesburg from 1974 to 1989. He later had his own accounting practice and from 1993 to 2011 he worked as a Certified Financial Examiner, auditing insurance companies across the nation. Jerry loved his country and faithfully served for 30 years.  He started in the Air Force Reserve as a young man and later served in the Army National Guard.  He was deployed during Operation Desert Storm. Jerry loved his family and was a committed husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.  Spending time with his family was his favorite thing.  He loved helping them enjoy life.  He was in the middle of every family gathering making them all laugh.  He was passionate about teaching his grandchildren and great grandchildren about the things that were most important in life.  He taught with his words but more importantly his example. Even in his last days, he never lost his sense of humor. One of his favorite things was enjoying God's creation.  As a young man he was an Eagle Scout, and as an adult, served as Scoutmaster for the troop 70 at Temple Baptist Church in Hattiesburg.  He spent countless hours backpacking with his two sons, enjoying some of the most remote locations in North and South America. He was a kind southern gentleman, always making others feel special. He truly had the gift of encouragement. Jerry was proceeded in death by his parents Howard and Thelma Smith.  He is survived by his wife Dixie Smith, his sons Steve Smith (Vidonia) of Waynesboro, Tim Smith (Renee) of Brandon, MS, his granddaughters April Snowden (Joel) of Colorado Springs, CO, Emily Miller (Brian) of Durango, CO, Stephanie (Justin) Wardwell of Kansas City, KS, Lauren (Frank) Andrade of Metairie, LA,  his six great grandchildren, David Castanza, Lennox Miller, Jonah Snowden, Jasper Miller, Gabriel Castanza, Gage Wardwell, Elijah Allen and Ezekiel Allen. Visitation for Mr. Smith will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Friday, July 12, 2024, at Waynesboro First Baptist Church, 814 Azalea Drive, Waynesboro, MS 39367. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, July 12, 2024, at Waynesboro First Baptist Church in Waynesboro, MS with Dr. Steve Smith officiating. Interment will be in Serenity Gardens Cemetery in Waynesboro, MS.