During his childhood years, Jerry loved to go camping and swimming with his family, which always included his Grandpa and Grandma Smith.
Jerry graduated from the Dansville Agricultural School in 1961. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps on October 5th, 1961. Jerry was stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and proudly served until December 1st, 1965. On May 23rd, 1964 he married a school classmate, Janice Witt. Jerry and Janice recently celebrated their 59th anniversary.
After returning home from the Service, he was employed at Williamston Implement, after which he felt lucky to be employed by the Consumers Energy Natural Gas Pipeline Company. Jerry loved working on the pipelines until his retirement in 2006, after 38 years of service. Upon retirement, he volunteered for Meals on Wheels, The Stoneleigh Hospice Residence, and the Eaton Rapids Special Riding Program.
During recent years Jerry loved car shows, sporting events, local music festivals, and was an avid creator of art works for the home and yard. Jerry loved to attend his grandchildren’s school and sports events, loved to stop in for coffee with friends and family, and enjoyed many compliments regarding his well-manicured lawn.
He was proud of his three children: Eric Leslie, Darrin Lee, and Kelly Lorene.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, grand-parents, sisters Jean Clark and Linda Barker, and grand-daughter Rebecca Lorene Ried. Jerry is survived by his wife Janice (Witt) Ried, son Eric (Laura) Ried, son Darrin Ried, daughter Kelly (Jeff) Joseph, and sister Sandy (David) Reedy. He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren: Jessica Ried, Kyle Joseph, Ryan Joseph, Jacob (Allison) Joseph, Jonathon Ried, and great-granddaughter Stella Joseph. He will also be missed by several cousins, nieces and nephews, special friends, former co-workers, and neighbors.
Visitation is from 6pm to 8pm Friday September 1st. Funeral services will be at 11am, September 2nd. Both will be at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home 621 South Jefferson, Mason, MI 48854. Pastor Gerhard Weigelt will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tri-County Office of Aging Mason Meals on Wheels program. The family entrusts Gorsline Runciman with the arrangements.
