Jerry L. Smith

Jerry Lamont Smith was born on October 11, 1934, and passed away on September 2, 2023. He was born to Ray and Valeria Smith and raised in Plant City, Florida. After high school he served four years in the United States Army. When he completed his time he met and married the love of his life, Avilene Horne, and settled down in Chiefland, Florida. They were married for 64 wonderful years. He co-owned and ran the Western Auto store in Chiefland for close to 40 years with his dad Ray and his brother Wayne. After he retired, he spent the rest of his time doing what he loved and with the people he loved. Jerry loved to do anything outdoors. His favorite hobbies were fishing, deer hunting, looking for Indian artifacts, and spending time with his family and friends. He even raised peacocks for a bit. Second to God, his family was everything to him. If anyone at all needed anything, he would be right there to help. If he wasn’t smiling and laughing, he wasn’t breathing. He served as a Deacon for many years at the Chiefland Church of Christ and was currently a member of the Trenton Church of Christ. He was a County Commissioner for four years. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Valeria Smith, as well as his brother Wayne Smith. He is survived by his sister, Diane Black (Carl), wife Avilene, daughter Sherry Smith McElroy, and son Sammy Smith (Sally), 4 grandchildren Brian McElroy, Kalee Hanchey (Brett), Savannah Robin (Justin), and Flint Smith (Deanna), as well as 8 great-grandchildren. Jerry’s memory and legacy lives on in his family. They still go on a trip to the panhandle together each year that he started taking them on years ago. He was an amazing father, grandfather, and a child of God. He will truly be missed. Funeral services for Jerry will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at the Rick Gooding Funeral Home Chiefland Chapel, with Bro. Kent Heaton, Bro. Tommy Andrews, and Bro. Everritt Heaton officiating. Interment will follow in Long Pond Cemetery in Chiefland. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Arrangements have been placed under the care of the Rick Gooding Funeral Home Chiefland Chapel, with locations in Cross City 352-498-5400 and Chiefland 352-493-0050. Please sign the online guest book at rickgoodingfuneralhomes.com

Jerry L. Smith

November 11, 1934 - September 2, 2023