Gerald "Jerry" R. Smith

Gerald "Jerry" R. Smith, of Mason, Michigan passed away on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at the age of 83 years young. Jerry was born June 27, 1938 in Detroit, Michigan to John T. and Pauline H. (Deneka) Smith. He graduated from Fraser High School and spent his career as a printer in the newspaper and magazine industry, retiring in 2005 from the Lansing State Journal.

Jerry was a kid magnet and attended every game and event that featured his grandchildren. He was passionate about sponsoring Youth Haven Ranch, a Christ-centered camp serving the disadvantaged children of Michigan. When Jerry and his wife, Deanne, moved to Mason, he became heavily involved in as many organizations as he could: his children's schools, the Lions Club, the Jaycees, and serving as a Church Elder with Messiah Lutheran Church. Jerry rarely sat down, as he was always busy helping those "old people".

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Douglas Smith and Jack Smith; and sister, Pat Koch.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Deanne (Schurig) Smith; his children, Susan (John) Horak, Gary (Sharon) Smith, Sharon (Keith) Nowak, Sandra (Mark) Austin, Kathy (Kirk) Showers, Kelly Hude; sixteen grandchildren, Aaron, Valerie, Eric, Alyssa, Trevor, David, Nicole, Emily, Natalie, Tiffany, Brandon, Blake, Brett, Chloe, Bella, Max; four great-grandchildren, Bailey, Monroe, Savannah, and Emma.

A visitation for Jerry will be held Monday, August 30, 2021 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Messiah Lutheran Church, 5740 Holt Road in Holt. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 from 10:00am to 11:00am at church, with a memorial service to begin at 11:00am. The memorial services will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/MessiahLutheranHolt.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grbdmason.com for the Smith family.