Obituary for Jerry Smith

MR. JERRY THOMAS SMITH, age 82, of Eastman, GA, died Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at Fairview Park Hospital.

 Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM Friday, August 4, in First Baptist Church of Eastman, with Dr. Jerry Peele, Rev. Todd Crosby, and Rev. Clay Layfield officiating, with interment in Orphans Cemetery.

 Mr. Smith was born in McRae, GA, in 1940, and later moved to Eastman with his family in 1947, where he resided for the rest of his life. He was a 1958 graduate of Dodge County High School and Class President. He received an associate degree at Middle Georgia College, a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Georgia Tech, and a master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Georgia. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity at UGA. He also took computer courses at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, OK. He married in 1968 and began his family. Mr. Smith taught at Dodge County High School for several years and was a retired Professor of Mathematics at Middle Georgia College, for a combined career of over 42 years. He also worked in the family business, Eugene Smith Jewelers, and was a master Watchmaker, Jeweler, and Clock Repairman. Watches and Clocks were his passion, and he was highly sought after for the knowledge he possessed. He was a lifelong member at Eastman First Baptist Church and served as organist for over 30 years. He was a loving and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, and a beloved brother and uncle. Mr. Smith was a member of Eugene Smith Lodge #279, Scottish Rite of Macon, and Al-Sihah Shrine in Macon. He received his 50-year Masonic Lodge Pin in 2016. He enjoyed spending time with his family and traveling with his family and friends. Jerry was the son of the late Lois Wylie Smith and Eugene Smith and was preceded in death by a sister, Dianne McElheney, and two Brothers-in-law, Elton McElheney and Hilton Allen.

 He is survived by his Wife of 54 years – Linda Allen Smith of Eastman, GA; Son – Chad Smith of Eastman, GA; Daughter – Jeneau Smith Meadows (Tommy) of Eastman, GA; 5 Grandchildren – Ty Smith, Peyton Smith, Cole Meadows, Skye Meadows, and Rhett Meadows, all of Eastman, GA; Sister – Karen Smith Reich (John) of Columbia, SC; 2 Brothers – Ray Smith (Lisa) and Greg Smith (Jan), both of Eastman, GA; Sister-In-Law – Betty Pittman Allen of McRae, GA; Several Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins.

 The family may be contacted at the Smith residence, 716 Evergreen Circle, Eastman, and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 6:00PM-8:00PM Thursday, August 3. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to First Baptist Church of Eastman, 5107 Oak Street, Eastman, GA 31023.