Command Chief Master Sergeant Gerald Gary Smith, USAF, Retired

After a full and extraordinary life marked by service, resilience, and generosity, Gerald “Jerry” Gary Smith of Windcrest, Texas, passed peacefully into heavenly rest on May 9, 2025.

Jerry was born on July 20, 1935, in Rogers City, Michigan, to Gerald Charles and Lottie Marie Smith. Raised from humble beginnings, he developed a strong desire to build a better future. As he neared the end of secondary school, that ambition led him to persuade his mother to sign the paperwork allowing him to enlist in the United States Air Force. In 1952, just days after his 17th birthday, Jerry left for basic training at Lackland Air Force Base (AFB) in San Antonio, Texas. From that moment on, he never looked back.

Following his graduation from basic training, Jerry was assigned to the 22d Bombardment Wing at March AFB, California, where he began his distinguished Air Force career as a refueling specialist. He quickly earned recognition for his technical expertise, leading to his selection to accompany the 351st Fighter Wing to Yuma, Arizona, for the annual Air Defense Command Gun Meet. Later that year, he achieved another career milestone by refueling the first B-47 bomber using the newly established Hydron Pit refueling system – a noteworthy advancement in Air Force capabilities during that era.

In 1953, Jerry volunteered for overseas duty and was stationed in North Africa at Sidi Slimane Air Base. There, he served as the administrative enlisted aide to the Division Commander – a general who was immediately struck by his impeccable appearance and sharply tailored gabardine uniform, which had cost Jerry a full month’s pay – and quickly recognized his reliability and attention to detail.

Over the next two decades, Jerry’s military service took him around the world to key assignments in Kansas, Germany, Washington, Nebraska, Texas, and California, where he rose to senior leadership in a series of pioneering roles. Often the first or only enlisted member in positions traditionally held by officers, he led countless innovative initiatives that reshaped operations and were later adopted Air Force-wide, leaving a lasting impact on maintenance analysis, logistics, and resource management across the branch.

Among his most notable Air Force achievements, Jerry led the original test and evaluation of the "Single Maintenance Management” concept and developed a consolidation plan that delivered significant cost and manpower savings across the service – innovations that earned him the Air Force Commendation Medal and recognition as USAFE Outstanding Airman of the Year. He was also instrumental in the development of the Military Airlift Command policy allowing aircraft to be offloaded without engine shutdown, dramatically improving mission speed and efficiency.

Recognized at the highest levels, he was nominated by the Secretary of the Air Force and selected as the Air Staff Representative for Project FIRM (Financial Information for Resource Management), where he developed the Department of Defense’s first output measurement system for financial resource management – completing the project in record time.

A trusted advisor and forward-thinking leader, Jerry frequently served as a critical liaison between major commands and USAF Headquarters, where he shaped policy and training programs that greatly influenced administrative efforts across the U.S. Air Force. Throughout his career, he remained a steadfast advocate for enlisted personnel, championing retention, professional development, and meaningful organizational change.

In 1972, Jerry transferred from Randolph AFB, Texas, to Mather AFB, California, where he served as the Senior Enlisted Leader, actively addressing the concerns, needs, and well-being of the enlisted force. He retired as a Command Chief Master Sergeant, concluding a decorated career marked by unwavering dedication and integrity. His many awards and honors include the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, and multiple nominations for Department of Defense-level awards, among many others – reflecting excellence and service to his country.

With a twinkle in his eye and a charming grin on his face, Jerry often said that joining the Air Force was the best decision he ever made – aside from marrying his wife, Lorna. Jerry’s military service was not only one of his proudest achievements but also laid the foundation for a life marked by leadership and a deep commitment to serving others. He credited much of his personal and professional success to the experiences and lessons learned during his time in uniform. Given the chance, he always said he would do it all over again without hesitation.

Channeling the same work ethic that defined his military career, Jerry also achieved great success in the civilian sector, serving in important leadership roles across several companies. As Director of Sales for Page Avjet Corporation, he oversaw multi-million-dollar aerospace ground support equipment contracts, managed high-level negotiations with Pentagon and Department of Defense officials, and directed sales, marketing, and financial planning efforts. As President and CEO of DOSCO Manufacturing, Inc., he acquired and transformed the company into a leading government and commercial contractor specializing in the manufacturing of aircraft parts, electronics, and ground support equipment – creating jobs and expanding operations. Together with his wife Lorna, he also founded Jershan Company, managing Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) contracts for shoeshines, tactical supply stores, and barbershops that served the military community. Jerry’s post-military career was a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit, visionary ideation, and enduring commitment to supporting those who serve.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jerry was best known for his incredible generosity, steadfast mentorship, and expression of love to those who meant the most to him. He readily offered his advice, time, and resources to anyone in need. His stories, rich with insight and wit, reflected his intellect, wisdom, and genuine care. Despite facing substantial health challenges in his later years, Jerry met each one with remarkable strength – a true demonstration of his faith, determination, grit, and enduring devotion to provide for his loved ones.

Jerry is survived by his devoted wife, Lorna; his children, Pamela Monroe, Col. Kevin Smith, USAF (Ret.), Michele Griffin (Kenny), Justin Smith, 2d Lt. (Dr.) Shanna Smith, USAF (Jake), and Jeran Smith; nieces, Jerrilynn Anderson (Vern) and Tammy Wheaton; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many other cherished family members, friends, and colleagues. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Shirley, Geraldine, and Donald; sons, Gary and Shannon; daughter-in-law, Sherry; and his most loyal Maltese, Lily.

A committal service will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery – Committal Shelter #1. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Jerry’s honor to a charitable cause meaningful to you. The family also extends their heartfelt gratitude to Drs. Gandhi, Paley, and Patel, as well as DaVita Live Oak, San Antonio Home Health, Northeast Methodist Hospital, and Heart to Heart Hospice for all their compassionate care and support throughout the years.

Jerry is deeply missed but will never be forgotten. His life touched many, and the lessons he shared – through both words and actions – will continue to inspire and guide all who had the privilege to know and love him. His legacy of service, resilience, and generosity lives on in every life he touched.