Jerry Smith

Jerry Smith

Jerry Smith passed into the loving arms of Jesus on April 30, 2025, at the age of eighty-eight. He loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and was an active member of the Baker Heights Church of Christ for over thirty-five years. Jerry remained steadfast in his beliefs, demonstrated perseverance, and completed his journey to achieve his crown of righteousness. He is now reunited with those who preceded him in passing.

A celebration of Jerry's life will be held at The Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel on Buffalo Gap Road on Monday, May 5th, at 10:00am. Burial will follow at Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories on Highway 277. Friends and family are invited to a visitation at Hamil Family Chapel on Sunday, May 4th, 2025, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

He was born June 8, 1936, in Harlingen, Texas, to Edith and Leo Smith. He graduated from San Benito High School in 1954 and attended Abilene Christian University where he earned a BS degree in 1958. Jerry married the love of his life, Joyce Evelyn Downs in 1957, and they raised three children - Sherrie, Randy and Stanley.

For a number of years Jerry owned an insurance agency in Abilene. He began selling camper tops for pickups as a sideline which turned into Jerry's Campers selling and servicing campers and recreational vehicles. Jerry and Joyce along with their son, Randy, were very successful at this business for over forty years.

Jerry liked to be busy. He was in a bowling league with Joyce with several friends. He and Joyce loved living in the country, farming and raising cattle, until she decided it was time to move to town. She bought a house in town, but he continued to enjoy the farm until he finally retired.

He was a long-time member of Baker Heights Church of Christ where he served as a deacon in the mission's ministry and widow care ministry. He and Joyce enjoyed doing things for others. Planning special dinners for the widows and widowers was one of their favorite things to do. They participated in many hilarious skits and were involved in various fellowships along with other couples.

He considered himself to be very blessed and often said that everything he owns belongs to the Lord. He gave generously to the Lord's church and various mission works. He helped many people along the way.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Joyce and son, Randy. He is survived by his daughter Sherrie, his son Stanley, and his grandchildren Renee, Stephanie, Coby, and Katelyn. In addition to his great grandchildren Lexie, Madison, Logan, Baylor, Milani, and Amarion. Also, his three brothers, Richard, Leslie, and Mark and many nieces and nephews.

Donations may be directed to Baker Heights Church of Christ, located at 5382 Texas Avenue, Abilene, Texas, 79605, or any charitable organization chosen by the donor.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the many friends and family who loved Jerry, helped care for him, and prayed for him during his illness.