Jeri Lynne Smith, age 67, of Ballinger, Texas passed away peacefully on Tuesday October 9, 2018. Jeri was born October 13, 1950 in Winters, Texas to M.L. and Wanda Guy. She graduated from Winters High School in 1969 and attended Odessa College where she pursued a degree in Communications. Jeri worked as the Community Involvement Coordinator with Wal-Mart in Ballinger and later started a sales career at the San Angelo Standard Times and Kickin' Country 103.1 until she began her long term employment with KRUN Radio. While at KRUN, she was at the forefront of the Texas Country/Red Dirt Music movement. For over 15 years her passion was helping young artists establish themselves in the Texas music scene. During this time she was nominated 3 times for the TRRR Small Market DJ of the Year. In 2015, she retired after a successful radio career to live at the ranch with her beloved Johnny and dogs Sadie and Bella. She loved her time on the ranch, however the radio world called again in 2017. For a year she worked tirelessly to return KRUN back to where she believed it belonged in the community and Texas despite her declining health. Her sparkling personality, glowing smile and dedication to making Ballinger proud endeared her to not only people in the community but friends who would soon become family all throughout Texas. Although her first love was radio and community service her true passion was her family. There was nothing she loved more in this world (besides George Strait) than spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Jackie and Marty Guy and her infant son Scott Ryan Smith.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Shelly Schniers and husband Howard; Kristi Watkins and husband Shayne; Barrett Smith and wife Stephanie; Jeff Smith and wife Jessica as well as 14 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and brother, Bret Guy.
Visitation will be held from 6-8 PM on Thursday, October 11, 2018 at Lange Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 PM, Friday, October 12, 2018 at Glory Road Cowboy Church with Myron Halford officiating.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Ballinger for their loving care of our mother during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger, and Johnson's Funeral Home in San Angelo.
