Terry Joe Smith Sr.

Terry worked for the City of Merced for 27 years. Terry loved to fish and spend time with his family and friends. He was an avid sports fan and loved watching the Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Lakers play.

Terry was preceded in death by his mother, Idoker Mills; sister, Phyllis Adams; brother, James Tucker; aunt, Maybel Brown and uncle, Robert Mills.

He is survived by his children, Terry Smith Jr., Tyvone Smith, Jamika Smith and Keyosha Ardery. He also leaves behind his beautiful granddaughter, Jonaya Ivey; ex-wife, Leslie Scott; sisters, Rinderia Reader and Becky Williams; goddaughter, Ataysia Martin and special niece, Jae-onna Reid who he called Juicy.

Terry will be remembered for his laughter, his jokes, and for continuously letting us know that he was one of the first to play on the Merced Junior College football field.

A visitation for Terry will be held Monday, September 29, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with funeral services beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B Street, Merced, California. Burial will follow at Merced District Cemetery.