Jerry N. Smith

Jerry Norman Smith, 73, of Sturkie, Arkansas, formerly of Jonesboro, was born August 15, 1948 and departed this life March 27, 2022. He was of the Baptist belief with attendance and baptism at Good News Free Will Baptist Church. Jerry is survived by his wife of 53 years, Betty Sue (Rhama) Smith; three daughters: Sherry McMasters of Newark, Sheila Wood of Jonesboro, and Charlotte (Greg) Fletcher of Sitka; grandchildren: Joshua (Emily) McMasters, Daniel McMasters, Zac (Katey) Adams, Hunter (McKenzie) Fletcher, and the favorite granddaughter, AnnMarie Wood; two great-grandsons: Marshall and Ian McMasters; and one sister, Dona (Ollie) Reeves of Harrisburg. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Eunice (Bounds) Smith; three brothers: Ronald, Dennis, and Kevin Smith; and one sister, Lavonda Thomas. Jerry was a Vietnam veteran, receiving awards for his courage and bravery, including the Purple Heart. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved to tell stories of his hunting adventures, childhood, and his rowdy teen years. He loved his family, and his family loved him. He taught his daughters and grandkids to love and respect nature and was in the process of passing that on to his great-grandsons. Jerry did not know the word “can’t” and his kids were not allowed to use it. His motto in life was “It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice,” and that’s how he lived his life. HE WILL BE MISSED. Funeral services will be in the chapel at Tri-County Funeral Home at Highland, Arkansas beginning at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 30, 2022 with Bro. Terry Lunyou officiating. Grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers. Family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time. Arrangements are entrusted to Tri-County Funeral Home of Highland.