Gerald D. "Smitty" Smith

Gerald Dean "Smitty" Smith, 84, entered Heaven into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, March 17 at 9:13 AM at St. Louis University Hospital. He was born June 27, 1941 in Mount Vernon, Illinois.

Smitty was raised in the Bethel area, where he attended Bethel Grade School. He later graduated from Mount Vernon Township High School.

As a boy, he enjoyed playing basketball, pitching for the softball team, riding bikes and swimming in the local water holes with his younger brother, Harold, who remained dear to his heart until the end. He also treasured time spent bird hunting with his father.

In 1960, Smitty met the love of his life, Janette, at the Dairy Del in Mount Vernon. The two were united in marriage in May of 1963 and shared a lifetime of love and devotion. They would have celebrated 63 years of marriage this coming May. It was nearly impossible to see one of them without the other which was a true testament to their marriage and loving friendship.

Smitty was raised in a Christian household and made the personal decision to accept Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He was baptized at South Hickory Hill Christian Church. His life was a reflection of his faith in Jesus. He was proud, confident and grounded in his faith, and he loved to discuss and share scripture with anyone who would listen. He was a faithful student studying God's word daily. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). He attended Free Will Baptist Church in Mount Vernon and Ina Baptist Church. Smitty gave generously of his time and never hesitated to help others in their time of need. Much of his kindness was done quietly, behind the scenes, in the true spirit of the scripture, "But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing" (Matthew 6:3).

His greatest joy in life was his family. He loved family dinners, cookouts, and any opportunity to be surrounded by those he loved. He loved conversation and could chat with the best of them. He loved to make people laugh, and the smile on others faces also made him smile from ear to ear. Smitty enjoyed attending sporting and social events for all his children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren, always showing his support and pride in their lives.

He had a passion for riding his side-by-side with his wife and their dog, Shaker. If cruising time was at all late, Shaker was sure to let him know. He took great pride in keeping his property beautifully maintained. Weather permitting if you drove by their house, you'd most likely see Smitty on his lawnmower, piddling in the yard, or sitting in his favorite front porch chair. And of course he'd throw you a wave as you went by. He cherished his many special friendships and especially enjoyed visiting with neighbors while riding through the neighborhood.

In his younger years, he enjoyed riding his motorcycle and traveling the country with Janette. During these trips, many fond memories were made as well as several lifelong friendships.

Smitty was also known for being like a cat with nine lives. Throughout the years, he fought many courageous battles with his health, surviving serious challenges and overcoming odds that were often stacked against him. His strength, resilience, and determination were an inspiration to all who knew him.

Smitty was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing. He was greatly loved by his family and friends. He and Janette were united in marriage holding hands, and he departed this world while holding her hand-a true reflection of the deep love they shared throughout their lives. "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8).

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to his special friend and nephew, Randy Bernard, for his friendship throughout the years and for the care and assistance he provided.

Smitty was preceded in death by his parents, James Wayman and Helen Francis (Phelps) Smith; parents-in-law, Arthur L. and Susie M. (Earls) Puckett; numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and his pup, Shaker.

Smitty is survived by his wife, Janette Kay (Puckett) Smith; children, Teresa Sheridan and husband, Steve of Mount Vernon, Illinois, Rhonda Dobbs of Prattville, Alabama, and Steven Smith and Arnie of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; grandchildren, Alexandria Metje and husband, Jarred of Mount Vernon, Amanda Headen and husband, Craig of Mount Vernon, and Seth Dobbs and wife, Allison of Deatsville, Alabama; great-grandchildren, Sheridan Headen and Stevie Lynn Metje; brothers, Harold Smith and the late Linda (Rockett) of Cookeville, Tennessee and Darrel Smith and the late Bonnie (Sloan) of Springfield, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be held Saturday, March 21, at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., with the service to follow at 1:00 p.m. Burial will take place at South Hickory Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to South Hickory Hill Cemetery.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing" (2nd Timothy 4:7).

Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.