Jerry Ray Smith, age 85, went home to glory on July 2, 2025. He was born on May 7, 1940, in Woodbury, Tennessee, to the late Hoyte Brown (H.B.) “Brownie” Smith and Prudie Lance Smith of Woodbury, Tennessee. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Dessie Ann Smith and brother, Franky Lynn Smith, and a brother-in-law, James Hutchings.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Diana Cook Smith. He was a devoted father to Regina (Stanley) Robinson, Joel (Patti) Smith, Salena (Larry) Davidson, and Jason (LeeVana) Smith. He was the proud grandfather of Nicole (Jeremiah) Haskin, Jordan (Kate) Robinson, Jeremy (Shelby) Smith, Marshall (Selah) Davidson, Natalie (Lance) Larkin, Erin (Reed) Pasley, Jonah and Jagger Smith. Step granddaughter Hope (Ronnie) Duncan. His great-grandchildren include Maddie and Lane Evans, Kimber and Jesse Haskin, Lilly, Riley and Harley Robinson, and Aislyn Davidson. Jerry is also survived by his brothers, Edward (Jean) Smith and Jimmy (Janice) Smith, and his sisters, Jane Hutchings and Sue (Dwayne) McGray as well as 23 nieces and nephews. 

A Celebration of Life will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Living Springs Baptist Church, 4559 Weakley Lane, Mt. Juliet, TN with Larry Davidson and Jason Smith officiating. Visitation will be held Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM prior to the Celebration of Life at the church. A graveside service and burial will be held at 5:00 PM Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Blues Hill Cemetery, Blue Hill Road, McMinnville, TN 37110.