Jerry Thomas Smith Sr.

Birth date: Mar 7, 1943 Death date: Jan 31, 2026

Jerry Thomas Smith, Sr. 82 of West Jefferson (formerly from Albemarle) passed away January 31, 2026, at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Effie Smith Read Obituary

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Mark

2w ago

My Daddy ASHS #11 was the best! There was absolutely nothing he wouldn’t do for us. I have always been honored to be his daughter. He loved all of us with his whole heart, and we loved him with ours. His last 24 hours we talked to him and told him how much we love him and I thanked him for all he gave me in my life, and apologized for being a sassy mouth teenager(many many years ago), I think I got that from him lol.
He spoiled my brother, myself, our Mom and all of his grandkids. It just doesn’t seem real, that he’s no longer with us. I pray that he heard everything we said, several times he tried to speak, and I know without a doubt he was trying to tell all of us that he loves us. His memory will live in my heart forever. I love you Daddy!
I loved cooking and baking for him, he seemed to really enjoy it. I will miss him calling and saying “have you looked outside? It’s snowing!!” He loved taking us out in the snow when we were kids. Daddy always had time for us.

Nancy Russell-Forsythe

2w ago

Jerry was a good friend and classmate. As little kids, we lived near each other and went to school together. He was always upbeat and fun to be around. As he experienced health problems later in life, I marveled at his resilience and positive attitude. I will miss Jerry’s phone calls to check in and share about other classmates. Frances, Nelson and other family members, my prayers are with you. We will all miss a remarkable man. Nancy Russell-Forsythe

Steve Almond

2w ago

Jerry's family, we are thinking of you at this difficult time.

Gus Holbrook

2w ago

Jerry was a true friend of mine, along with his brother Nelson. We were back yard neighbors. They were a few years older than me and another friend, but we were all equal. Jerry was one heck of an athlete at ASHS. When he played football, and he got his hands on the ball, he would plow thru the line, and not go around the ends. That was # 11. In later years, we looked to go fishing. We would put a diving plug on our lines and started trolling. We would have a couple of cigars and started. Needless to say we did not catch many fish, but we had fun. After Francis and Jerry moved to the mountains, we would call each other other, ever 7 to 10 days. We would catch up on our HS classes. His 1962 and mine 1965. Both are still real close. I had some health issues and Jerry was there to help me. A true friend. One of my last conversations with Jerry was, what are you doing? Outside enjoying a cigar. I said enjoy that cigar. Will miss you Jerry.

Kristie Lannette

2w ago

I am so very sorry for your loss. He was a great man! He loved his family and was very proud of you all! Kristie

Kathy Edwards

2w ago

in honor of Jerry.

I am so sorry for your loss. May God wrap and keep you in his loving care.
Kathy Snuggs Edwards

A graceful illustration of a white dove in mid-flight with its wings elegantly spread wide, set against a soft teal background.

Mickey Mauldin

2w ago

Jerry had a special place in the hearts of his ASHS Class of '62 classmates! He was a gifted athlete from the playgrounds of Central Elementary to all-conference and all-state honors on the gridiron and hardwood of ASHS ! But, more importantly, he was a true friend to everyone! He organized our first class reunion and helped plan and organize all subsequent gatherings... bird-dogging missing classmates, calling folks to remind and encourage their attendance. He always greeted everyone individually with sincere interest in their life and family. He was always upbeat , cheerful and positive. Even after his health declined, he would telephone us to see how we were doing and to share info about comings and goings of other friends and classmates. He was a good man, a good classmate and a good friend ! We will miss him, but always remember him with great affection.

We offer heartfelt condolences to Frances and family and pray for the repose of the soul of our friend and classmate, Jerry.

Mickey Mauldin
ASHS, Class of 1962

Tommy Taylor

2w ago

Nelson and Jerry, I'm sorry for your loss. Jerry was a good man!

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