Jerry Teddy Smith, 77, “Pops”, of Excelsior Springs, passed away October 13, 2020 at his home surrounded by his loving wife of 27 years, along with family and friends.
Jerry was born December 24, 1942 in Thedford, Neb., to Thomas A. and Dora E. (Betts) Smith and was raised in Blair, Neb. He lived in many places throughout his life including California, Washington , and worked for Rockford Screw Products in Rockford, Ill., for many years. After working as a road grader in Nebraska for many years, he moved to Missouri where he found the Love of his life. Jerry worked for PDI- Wagner Industries in Kansas City, Mo., for 18 years and after his retirement in 2005 he continued to work part time at PDI for about 10 years as a consultant.
Jerry loved fishing, playing cards, was a big KC Chiefs fan, judging BBQ contests including the American Royal, and loved gardening. He was always very proud of his flowers. He looked forward to the Smith reunions every 2 years since 1978, where he loved to pitch horseshoes and spend time with family.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas A. and Dora E. (Betts) Smith; siblings, Helen Behling, Henry “Sonny” T. Smith, Dorothy “Midge” L. Rosterman, Donald “Buck” W. Smith, Andrew “Jack” Smith, Robert “Bob” D. Smith, and two infant siblings.
Survivors include his wife, Dee Smith, and grandson, Joshua Jewell, of the home. Jerry had five children, Gary D. Smith, Jeff A. and Carrie Smith, Tina M. and Timm Strahl, Daniel B. Smith, and John J. and Sherry Smith; six step children, Kenneth L. Jewell Sr., Crystal M. Routledge (deceased), Linda J. Harris, William E. Jewell, Terri L. Reynolds and Dee Dee S. and Curt Delana, which he loved like his own; 38 grandchildren; 58 great grandchildren; brother, Tom Smith and his wife, Pat; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jerry leaves behind a family of 3 generations of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be missed by all.
Jerry will lie in state on Thursday, October 22, 2020 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, Mo.
Our Sincere Condolences
So very sorry for your loss. Feel thrilled that I got to introduce him to the ‘love of his life’. Oh what fun we had back in the day! Holding you, Dee and Tina, very close in my heart and prayers. Love you.
Debbye Forbey-Wimmer
I’m so sad to hear the news. May God bless you at this time of need. Keep him in your heart and soul. I’m thinking of all of you, he will be missed by me RuthAnn and my mom Betty Smith (Jack’s wife).
