Gerald (Jerry) Wayne Smith passed away on August 20, 2026. Jerry was born in Springfield, Illinois, December 13, 1949. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1968 and attended Springfield College in Illinois (where he was active in the Rotary Club) and Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He married Kay Thread of Springfield on Lincoln’s birthday in 1972.
His long career in the hospitality industry began as a night auditor at the Howard Johnson’s Motel in Springfield. Jerry and Kay moved to Orlando, Florida - the first of many moves around the country to manage hotels as a hospitality turnaround specialist. After retiring and returning to Springfield, he managed the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel.
He was actively involved in the redevelopment and revitalization of the Clayville Historic Site. He was a member of the Pleasant Plains Historical Society, the Sons of the American Revolution, Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, past Treasurer of the Sangamon County Historical Society, and an Elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
He was preceded in death by nephew, Jeff Bensko and Aunt, Edith Irwin. Jerry is survived by his wife, Kay; sister-in-law, Janice Snodgrass of Springfield; brother-in-law, Dennis Thread and family of New York City; and nephew, Matt Bensko and family of Springfield.
Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.
The family will host a Memorial service at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Animal Protective League, 1001 Tainter Road, Springfield, IL 62702 or Beagle Freedom Project, 4804 Laurel Canyon Blvd., #534, Valley Village, CA 91607.
The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL 62703.
Please visit www.butlerspringfield.com to offer condolences.
