Jerry Lee Smith, 76 of Stonington, passed away at 6:35 p.m. on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital E.R. He was born on April 17, 1941 in Taylorville, the son of Earl Thadeus and Melba (Brown) Smith. He married Martha Jarvis on February 17, 1973 in Leesville, Louisiana. Jerry was a veteran of the United States Army where he served as a mechanic. He proudly completed two tours of duty in both Vietnam and Germany. After retiring from the Army, Jerry worked many years as a grain handler for the Stonington Coop. Jerry loved the outdoors, especially fishing and camping. He spent many months each year at his lake lot and also loved camping at Beaver Dam so he could be close to his grandsons. Jerry was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and NASCAR and enjoyed bowling. He was a skilled handyman and enjoyed working on cars and other projects around the house. Most of all he cherished the time spent with his family.

He is survived by his wife: Martha J Smith of Stonington; sons: Jason B. Smith of Stonington and Jeffrey M. Smith (Sarah) of Carlinville; grandchildren: Isobel Smith of Cayuga, Indiana and Sawyer and Augie Smith both of Carlinville; brother: Ronald N. Smith (Nancy) of Greenville; and nephew: Aaron Smith (Brook) of Longmont, Colorado. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather: Charles I Durbin, and son: Joshua C. Smith.

Jerry will be cremated and inurned along with his son, Joshua, at the Old Stonington Cemetery. A graveside service for Jerry and Joshua will be held at 11a.m. on Monday, July 31, 2017 in the cemetery with Rev. William Mitchell and Rev. Larry Mason officiating along with military honors. Memorials may be made to the Smith Family, for an education fund for Isobel. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is handling arrangements. Memories of Jerry, or condolences to the family, may be left online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com