Jerry Smith

Jerry Smith, 73, of Kirksville, Missouri, (formerly of Unionville, Missouri) passed away at The Kirksville Manor in Kirksville on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. Jerry had lived at the manor for two years.

 Jerry Allen Smith was born in Unionville on May 9, 1951, the son of Ralph Edward and Minnie Pauline Darlene (Milford) Smith. He graduated from Unionville High School in 1969. He married Joyce Thomas on November 6, 1972. Jerry’s main places of employment were Con-Agra in Milan and Smithfield Foods, retiring from both places. He had lived his entire life in Unionville before moving to Kirksville in 2022. Jerry enjoyed hunting, fishing, and attending estate auctions. He was also a competitive horse show pitcher, winning several competitions and trophies. Much of Jerry’s life centered around his love for his family, especially his grandchildren. He accepted Christ as Savior in 1978 and attended Fellowship Baptist Church while he lived in Kirksville.

 Jerry is survived by his wife, Joyce, of Princeton, Missouri. He is also survived by his son Scottie Smith of Princeton; and daughters Lisa (David) Shahan of Unionville and Tabitha (Cory) Prather of Kirksville. His grandchildren are Hillary Shahan and Rian, Eric, and Rebecca Prather. His step grandchildren are Amanda (Stacy) Hamilton, Daniel Shahan, and Bryan Powless. He was blessed with several great grandchildren. Jerry is also survived by a brother, Ray Smith, and a sister, Neva Gray of Unionville. 

 Those who preceded Jerry in death were his parents, a son, Troy Smith, and a brother, Larry Smith, his mother and father-in-law, two brothers-in-law, and a sister-in-law.

 A Celebration of Life for Jerry will take place at the First Baptist Church in Unionville at 10:30 am on Saturday, August 31, 2024. Inurnment will take place in the Cincinnati, Iowa, Cemetery. Memorials may be made payable to The Kirksville Manor and entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.