Obituary: Gerald P. Smith

As received from Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service:

Gerald “Jerry” Paul Smith, 81, died of a stroke Sunday October 22, 2023, at Marquette General Hospital while surrounded by his family, who sat a five-day vigil at his bedside.

Jerry was born in Detroit, Michigan September 5th, 1942, and attended St. Benedicts and Cooley High School. He joined the Navy at the age of 17 on May 6th, 1960, and was discharged May 5th,1966 at the age of 23. During his years in the Navy, he was stationed aboard the U.S.S Monticello as a gunner’s mate and a telamon. And was proud of being a Vietnam Veteran. From there he worked at JL Hudsons in Detroit MI, followed by Carmet and Strelingers. After a while he met and married his wonderful wife, Nancy, June 7th, 1969.

He loved fast cars, especially racing his 1968 Z28 on French RD and cruising Gratiot RD in Detroit. As well as music and singing; joining the Navy and Church Choirs. Throughout his Navy career, he developed a love for travel that he introduced to his family. And in 2001, Jerry went on a mission trip to Mexico. He also loved to feed birds and was a proud Eagle Scout.

Jerry was a devoted husband, an attentive father and a beloved grandfather. He had 3 children: Holly Thompson (Smith), Paul (Shannon) Smith and Christi (Jeffrey) Morgan (Smith) and grandchildren Lily Thompson, Lauren Stromer, Meagan Stromer, Devyn Spillane (Smith), Ty Smith, Rhyan Smith, Leal Smith, Danna Smith, Gabe Smith, Liv Smith, Jude Smith, Ani Smith, Alex Morgan, Sam Morgan and Makayla Morgan. And his great-grandchildren, Quinn Spillan, Eon Smith, and Tavious Smith.

Jerry is preceded in death by his grandparents Pius and Wilhelmina Smith, Augustus and Elizabeth Vaillancourt, his parents Paul and Lorainne Smith, his brother James Smith, and his sister Judy Moore (Smith) and his grandson Kurt Davidson. He was survived by his wife Nancy, children, grandchildren, and his siblings Michael (Gloria) Smith, Shirley (Jim) Raines, Mary (Steve) Roose, Linda (Ken) McIntyre, Susie (John) Burgess, and Tom (Mary Ann) Smith.

Services will be held at St Peter and Paul Lutheran. Visitation on Wednesday, October 25th from 6-8 pm and on Thursday from 10am until the funeral which will be held at 11 am on Thursday, October 26th, with a luncheon following. All donations can be gifted to the St Peter and Paul church building fund.

Jerry Smith loved furiously and wanted nothing but the best for his family and friends. He was known for many things; his humor, taste in music and movies, his time in the Navy and how much he cared for his wife. But above all, he prayed until the food went cold.

To view Jerry’s obituary or to send condolences online, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.