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.
Condolences(17)
Irma james
Monticello, AR Saturday, January 11, 2025 I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all. Love and hugsCarol Zabcik and Becky Zabcik Fore
Conway, AR Monday, January 6, 2025 So sorry to hear about your loss. Jerry was such a good man. Keeping you and all your family in our prayers. Remembering all the good times we had together in camping, singing and being neighbors. Love y’all.Carol Zabcik and Becky Zabcik Fore
Conway, AR Monday, January 6, 2025 So sorry to hear about your loss. Jerry was such a good man. Keeping you and all your family in our prayers. Remembering all the good times we had together in camping, singing and being neighbors. Love y’all.Jim Ross
Monticello, AR Monday, January 6, 2025 Jerry was a long time friend who will be greatly missed.Our thoughts and prayers are with him and all his Family.
Jim Ross
Andrea Russenberger (Daniel)
Benton, AR Tuesday, December 31, 2024 Sending my most deepest condolences. I was honored to work with Jerry at AGFC. He was a great man of character, jokes, and his passion for the outdoors and fisheries was a great love of his. He taught many of us so many things. Keeping you all in my prayers.Pam White Blount
Dumas, AR Sunday, December 29, 2024 Stacey and family. So sorry to hear of your loss. May God’s peace comfort you.Gloria Schwab
Centerton, AR Thursday, December 26, 2024 Laura and family, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers for you all .Butch Whitehurst
Monticello, AR Thursday, December 26, 2024 I am very sorry to hear of Mr. Jerry’s passing. He always had a smile and it made me smile. He loved his family and was proud of them. I was proud to call him my friend!Kent Davis
Maumelle, AR Wednesday, December 25, 2024 Mr Jerry was a good Man, I am so sorry. PrayersLarry Pasley
Alexandria, LA Wednesday, December 25, 2024 Laura, we were very saddened to hear of Jerry’s passing. You were both very special to us during our time in Monticello. Our love and sympathy to your family during this difficult time.Janie & Larry Fuller
Haymarket, VA Wednesday, December 25, 2024 Laura & FamilySo sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. I drank many cups of coffee with Jerry. He was a friend who always was positive & happy. I will miss him very much.
May God continue Blessing your family with comfort & understanding in Jerry’s absence.
Larry Fuller
Jacqueline Block Robinson
Atkins, AR Wednesday, December 25, 2024 Dear Mrs. Smith and family. You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers. Mr. Smith will be missed. I remember when I visited you all this year and he was walking around the yard and greeted me with his sweet smile. May you always cling to the beautiful memories that God has blessed you with. Love you all.Deanna Brooks
Searcy, AR Tuesday, December 24, 2024 Laura, I’m so sorry. You and Jerry were very special to is when we lived in Monticello. Scott has kept us updated on the family. Blessings.Terry & Sandra Savage
Hermitage, AR Tuesday, December 24, 2024 Our prayers go out to your family. Laura, Jerry was always so kind to me. I haven’t been around any of you in a long time but I know he will truly be missed.Barbara Newton
Monticello, AR Tuesday, December 24, 2024 Words cannot express how sad I am at Jerry’s passing. To know him was to love him! Always smiling and giving hugs! He will be missed! Hugs and prayers to Laura and all the family.Kay Worbington
Monticello, AR Tuesday, December 24, 2024 Dear Laura & family, You have my prayers at your time of great loss. Jerry was definitely one of the good guys. May you find comfort in knowing that he is now with his LORD.Vickie Hertel
Southlake, TX Tuesday, December 24, 2024 He was a great leader of his family