Jerry went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 23, 2018; a day he had looked forward to for some time. He was born on January 4, 1943, at the St. Elizabeth (now Astria Regional) Hospital in Yakima, Washington to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Smith living in Selah, Washington. Jerry’s parents enrolled him in the Selah school system as Michael Jerry Smith not Jerry “Mike” Smith due to a clerical error; which the name of Michael J. Smith became his name for 21 years, until he was drafted in the Vietnam War. He served 4 years in the Navy and made 2 tours to Vietnam during his enlistment.
Jerry worked as a journeyman carpenter, a Northwest Bell commercial representative in Seattle, and as an assistance manager at a local retail store. He also worked over 20 years as an owner operator of at tavern, bowling alley, mini-art, and two women’s apparel shops. Finally, after 11 years as a custodian with the Yakima School District, he retired.
Jerry was a long-time tennis player dating back to his high school days and played under the lights at Selah Larson Park. He also spent a number of years playing at the Yakima Tennis Club. His tennis years were thoroughly enjoyable. He liked salmon and steelhead fishing and his family outings at his sister’s home on the Cowlitz River. He also liked fishing with family for silvers at Rimrock Lake. He enjoyed golfing at Suntides and Westwood golf courses with family and friends.
Jerry had a great passion for helping and serving others. He enjoyed many standout opportunities with the Madison House, Camp Ghormley, and the Union Gospel Mission. He also thanks the Lord for allowing him to raise his two sons and for being their parent.
Jerry had a wit and unique sense of humor. His impromptu early morning visits will be greatly missed. Jerry was grateful for each new day the Lord gave him during his illness and often quoted Psalm 118:24. Many new memories and stories of his faith will remain with the family and grandkids until we see him again in Heaven.
He is survived by oldest son Nicholas (Colleen) Smith; grandchildren Kendrick (Victoria) Smith, Brandon (Justyne) Smith, Lane Smith, Alyssa Rauert & great-grandchild Grayson Smith of Yakima, Washington. Youngest son Todd (Sybil) Smith; grandchildren Payton, Gavin, and Madelyn Smith of Kennewick, Washington. He is also survived by siblings Charles V. Smith of Yakima, David M. Smith of Philomath, Oregon and Ann (Lou) Reebes of CastleRock, Washington. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Tommy Dean Smith.
A memorial service will be held at Keith & Keith Funeral Home on Saturday, September 8th, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.
Memories of Jerry and condolences for his family may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com
