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Jerry Don Smith, 72, of Aubrey, TX, passed away Saturday, January 18, 2020 in Denton, TX. He was born September 26, 1947 in Crockett, TX to Luther and Bertha (DeHay) Pack and later adopted by Homer and Bernice Smith. As a kid, Jerry played baseball and was an all-star player! His little league team almost made it to the World Series. He coached both of his kids. If he wasn’t coaching, he was watching them play. Jerry went to watch the little league World Series in 2011 which was a lifelong dream of his. Jerry met the love of his life, Patsy Davis, driving the square in Lamesa, TX. Patsy was driving a brand-new Chevy Impala and he was driving a brand-new Firebird! He married Patsy on August 1, 1970 in Lamesa. They would have celebrated 50 years of marriage this year. He loved his family more than anything, was so proud of his two kids, and thought his grandkids that hung the moon. He also had a sister-in-law that was pretty much like a daughter and he loved her kids (his nieces) like they were grandkids. He loved Thanksgiving, Christmas, and getting together with family. He enjoyed the grandkids’ and niece’s sporting and school events. Jerry was always up for a road trip and loved traveling. Jerry was very patriotic and loved his country. Jerry served in the US Navy. He was stationed on the USS Liberty when it was torpedoed and was awarded a Purple Heart for his injuries. For years, he was an active duty Army National Guard. In his younger years, he was a police officer and was always a proud supporter of law enforcement and military. He was proud of his son-in-law who is in law enforcement. Jerry became a registered nurse at the age of 46. His hobby was woodworking. He could build anything. Once he built a sleigh that several people could ride in for a Christmas parade float and it won first place! He also made several crafts and sold them at shows. Jerry loved the beach, any beach, but especially loved Surfside Beach. He went there a lot for vacations, deep sea fishing, and looking for shells. Jerry really enjoyed fishing. He and his son fished many tournaments. They had a pontoon boat at first but then traded it in for a bass boat. He said they needed something faster to get to weigh-in. The other fishing teams called them the pontoon boys and they didn’t appreciate that! Jerry loved old westerns and watched them nightly. He as very worldly and knowledgeable. He could hold a conversation with anyone on just about any topic and knew a little about everything. He enjoyed reconnecting and keeping in touch with many old friends on Facebook. Some of those friends say that he even reconnected them with more friends. He was a die-hard republican! Very outspoken in his later years about politics! Always made posts on Facebook about politics. He made sure no one was unsure about his political opinions! He was so loved by everyone, was always smiling, and loved his family and friends with all he had. Jerry is survived by his spouse, Patsy of Aubrey, TX; son, Garrett Smith and wife Jennifer of Aubrey, TX; daughter, Tammy Sweeney and husband Marc of Cross Roads, TX; six grandchildren, Sean Sweeney, Ashley Pape, Hunter Stelly, Dylon Smith, Logan Smith, and Brayden Sweeney; brothers, Billy Pack of Sierra Vista, AZ, Ronnie Pack of Thailand, Bobby Pack of College Station, TX, and Dwayne Smith of Dalhart, TX; sister, Margie Cooper of Paige, TX and Lora Smith McPherson of North Carolina; sister and brother-in-law, Carol and James Valadez; two nieces, Maci and Jami Valadez; and several nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law. He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Bertha; adoptive parents, Homer and Bernice; and sister, Mable Stephens. Visitation will be held 4:00PM-5:00PM, Thursday, January 23, 2020 at Slay Memorial Chapel in Aubrey, TX and the funeral service will begin at 5:00PM with Chris Heronema officiating. Interment will be 10:00AM on Friday, January 24, 2020 at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas, TX. Online condolences may be shared at www.slaymemorialfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Terri Slay and Slay Memorial Funeral Center. To send a flower arrangement to the family of Jerry Don Smith, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

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Jerry Don Smith

September 26, 1947 - January 18, 2020