Jerry G. Smith, of McGregor died Tuesday, January 19, 2016, at the age of 73. A graveside celebration of his life will be held Sunday, January 24, at 2:00 p.m. at the Coleman Cemetery Pavilion with Shawn Lutgen and Don Harmes officiating. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home in Coleman. Visitation with the family will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Sunday, January 24, 2016 at Stevens Funeral Home.
Jerry was born in Coleman, TX, the son of Garland and Florence (Harmes) Smith. After Garland’s death while serving in WWII, Florence married Leonard Ray whom Jerry knew as Daddy. Jerry completed his education in Coleman in 1960 and enlisted in the US Army where he served for 3 years. He was one of the original 55 members of the 5th Missile Battalion guarding Dyess Air Force Base. His service was completed while serving in Germany during the Berlin Crisis.
He married Oslene Swafford on April 16, 1965 in the Echo Community Church. They were the last couple married at that location. They resided in Cross Plains, Fort Worth, Waco, and eventually McGregor while employed in various positions with the International Harvester Co. He was involved in the trucking industry his entire life, whether it be selling, repairing, or driving trucks. He and Oslene owned Scott’s Diesel Service in Waco for about 10 years.
Throughout life, he enjoyed the sport of rodeo. He served as a rodeo announcer for open and youth rodeos across the state. He also announced stock shows and was a supporter for the youth of McGregor and McLennan County. He served in various positions in the McGregor Saddle Club and enjoyed riding for the Karem Shrine Horse Patrol. He was a member of the M. Denton Stanford Lodge No. 594 A.F. & A.M. of Lorena, TX.
Jerry was happiest when he was making people laugh, telling jokes, or helping out someone or an animal in need. He had a big soft heart for kids.
Preceding him in death were his parents and a step-sister Glenda Perkins.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Oslene Smith; a daughter Georgene and husband, Brian of Grandview, TX; son Warren “Bubba” Smith, and wife Susan of Gatesville, TX; four sisters, Betty Brock of Abilene, TX, Liz Rush and husband Dave of Coleman, TX, Norma Lutgen and husband Jerry of Granbury, TX, and Debi Moore of Abilene, TX; two brothers, Danny Ray and wife Pat, Bob Ray and wife Marsha all of Coleman, TX. Grandchildren Kyle Holt and wife Jessie of Cleburne, Dusty Holt of San Marcos, Alina Smith, Morgan Smith, and Levi Smith of Gatesville. Also numerous nieces and nephews.
For those desiring, a benefit account has been established at the First National Bank of McGregor – PO Box 387, McGregor, TX 76657.
Condolences for the family may left at www.livingmemorials.com.
