Jerry Smith Obituary

Jerry Lee Smith

Jerry Lee Smith, 80, of Risingsun, passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 12, 2025, with his wife by his side, at Fox Run Manor in Findlay. He was born April 24, 1945, in Napoleon, to the late Alvin & Martha (Baden) Smith. Jerry married the love of his life, Shirley K. Babcock, April 22, 1967, at First Church of God in Risingsun.

Surviving Jerry is his loving wife of 58 years, Shirley; sons, Ryan (Debbie) Smith, Russ (Stacy) Smith; grandchildren, Keegan, Cameron, Alexa, Amber; and two great-granddaughters, Georgia & Matilda.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jim and John; and sister, Donna May.

Jerry was a 1963 graduate of Malinta Grelton High School and then served his country proudly in the United States Air Force, where he worked as a vehicle operator. He worked many years as a truck driver, was a member of First Church of God in Risingsun, where he served on the church board as deacon, and he was also a member of American Legion Post No. 73 in Fostoria. Jerry had a love for playing cards and enjoyed woodworking and mowing his lawn. Growing up, Jerry had a passion for playing baseball throughout school, enjoyed coaching his sons' Little League teams, and was still an avid baseball fan today.

Friends will be received for a memorial visitation from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, August 23, 2025, at First Church of God in Risingsun, where a celebration of life memorial service will begin at 1 p.m. with Pastor Paul Rutledge officiating. Military honors will be performed by American Legion Post No. 73. Immediately following, a bereavement luncheon will be at the church. All arrangements have been entrusted to Barndt Funeral Home in Wayne.

Memorial donations may be made to First Church of God in Risingsun.

Online condolences can be sent to Jerry's family at www.barndtfuneralhome.org