Loved and treasured husband, father, grandfather, and friend Jerry Smith, 77, died at his home in Poplarville, Mississippi on December 19, 2018. Smith was surrounded by his family as he went to rest, after a short, but hard, struggle with cancer. In typical fashion, Smith continued to enjoy his life to the fullest up until his passing.

Mr. Smith was born in Collins, Mississippi, on February 8, 1941, to Roy Smith and Mary Dossett. Married on June 27, 1987, he enjoyed a 31 year-long marriage to JoAnn Glenn Jones. Smith served in the Mississippi National Guard. Throughout his life, Jerry was a successful restaurateur. He began his work in the restaurant industry in the early 1960's, when he went to work for Hartz Bakery in Jackson, Mississippi. By the mid-1960's, he had moved to Texas to begin working for Hartz Kentucky Fried Chicken. He then returned to South Mississippi, founding Jerry's Fried Chicken, a restaurant that grew to eight different locations across the region. He continued to work in the restaurant alongside son, Tony Smith, at Stonewall's Barbeque. His legacy as a restaurateur will continue, as both sons, Tony and Ronnie, revere their dad's contributions through continuing the family tradition of operating their own restaurants.

Jerry Smith loved life. If one only had the opportunity to know Smith briefly, one would know that he was always smiling, laughing, or going out of his way to make another feel loved He took joy in the simple, pleasures of the everyday life. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, cooking out with his family, football, collecting rocks and taking joy-rides with whoever was free for the day. Most importantly, especially in this holiday season, Smith loved decorating his house for Christmas. Through his kind, caring, and joyful spirit, Smith was able to turn even the most ordinary into something special.

Smith is preceded in death by his parents and three sisters. He leaves behind his loving wife, JoAnn Smith; son, Tony Smith and spouse, Angie, of Poplarville, Mississippi; daughter, Denae Smith of Poplarville, Mississippi; daughter, Terri Wren of Crowley, Texas; daughter, Paige Smith-Lee of Poplarville, Mississippi; and son, Ronnie Jones and spouse, Lauri, of Hoschton, Georgia. He also leaves behind ten grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 22, 2018 from 1:00PM until 2:30PM at the Billy M. King Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Collins, MS with funeral services to be held at 2:30 in the chapel.  Interment will follow in the Collins City Cemetery.  Bro. Allen Hickman will officiate.  Billy M. King Colonial Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  601-765-1010.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Fight For The Forgotten at www.fightfortheforgotten.org/give

An online guestbook may be signed at www.billymkingcolonialchapel.com