Gerald Phillip Smith

Gerald Phillip Smith of Byron Center, Michigan, age 95, went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Jerry was preceded in death by his son, Gerald P. Smith Jr.; parents Alva and Florence Smith; brothers Forrest Smith, Roger Smith; sisters Peg Courrtright, Evelyn Stover, Anna Bostelaar, Beatrice Driggs, Lynette Hafer, Jean Lindsey; and son-in-law, Craig Scheele. He will be remembered by his wife, Joan Smith; children Debra (Dave) Overbeek, Tracy (Jason) Angell, Carol Sheele; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; sisters-in-law Carol Stedman, Pat Smith; daughter-in-law, Nora Smith Jenkins; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Jerry lived and grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan where he learned to be quite the sportsman and remained an avid hunter and fisherman from childhood into his 70's. Jerry's hometown of Grand Rapids would also be the place that he would meet the love of his life in 1950 at the age of 20, the ticket taker girl at the Creston theater, Joan (Jo) Stedman. Also, at the age of 20, Jerry began working for Automatic Musical Instrument Co. (AMI) and then, just before turning 21 years old, enlisted in the Navy in January of 1951 during the Korean conflict that the U.S. had entered less than a year prior; he was stationed at the Naval Base in Key West, Florida aboard the USS Howard W. Gilmore (AS-16). Jerry remained in contact with Jo, and in 1952, once she had graduated from high school, he took leave and found his way back to Michigan from Key West by catching rides with anyone willing to give him one. Once united again with his sweetheart, they went off together and were married by the Justice of the Peace in South Bend, Indiana; Jerry was 22 and Jo just 18. Jerry returned to Key West with his new bride where they began a family as he finished his tour with the Navy which ended in 1955, they then returned to Michigan; Jerry remained a proud naval veteran throughout the remainder of his life.

Once back in Michigan Jerry went back to work for AMI, which later became Rowe International, and Jerry and Jo continued to build a life together and expand their family. They remained married for over 73 years (together for a total of 75 years), living a full and active life enjoying golfing, bowling, a wide variety of card games and they loved playing in Bridge tournaments. Jerry retired from Rowe after 40 years of dedicated service at which time they became snowbirds, living in Lake Havasu, Arizona in the Winter and then back to Michigan for the Summer, this spanned from their 60's into their 80's; they made and spent time with many friends throughout the years and their travels.

Jerry Smith lived a long and full life being a genuine family man as a loving husband, father and grandfather, dedicated employee and a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, he had a good sense of humor, was known for his quick-witted remarks and his firm handshake; he will truly be missed by many.

A Celebration of Jerry’s Life will commence at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025 with visitation one hour prior, at Cook Funeral Home, 2067 84th St. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315. In honor of Jerry and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. The family welcomes memories and messages www.cookcaresbyron.com in their guest book online.