Jimmy Dean Smith

Jimmy Dean Smith, President of Jimmy Smith Jewelers of Decatur Alabama 92, passed away at Riverside Senior Living on Sunday, December 21, 2025.

Mr. Smith was born May 30, 1933, in rural Giles County, Tennessee, to the late Johnny "Frank" Smith and the late Effie Johnson Smith. He is one of five (5) Children. He attended Marshall County High School in Lewisburg Tennessee where he lettered in football and basketball

Mr. Smith was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean Conflict on the USS Gainard DD-706 a destroyer. After his Honorable Discharge in 1954, he used the GI Bill at Tennessee Valley State Technical School (currently known as Calhoun Community College) where he graduated as a Certified Watchmaker January 1957. This began his lifelong commitment to his career in the jewelry business.

After finishing his miliary service, Cousin Helen Stone introduced him to his wife of 69 years, the late Barbara Jane Bonner Smith.

Jimmy D and Barbara moved to Decatur, Alabama, where they started a family.

Jimmy began working at Ingall's Shipyard and then Diamond Jewelers as a watchmaker. Jimmy discovered he was a "people person" and began moving into management and eventually opening his own business.

Jimmy Smith Jewelers was founded by Mr. Smith in 1973, where he built up a successful retail jewelry business that still serves customers all over North Alabama today.

Jimmy truly loved people and served on the boards of many different organizations, including Charter Member Decatur Daybreak Rotary Club, Decatur Morgan County Chamber of Commerce, Decatur Morgan Hospital, Alabama Retail Comp (ARC) Alabama Jewelers Association (AJA), Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO), and Gulf Coast Bible College, Masonic Lodge and Shriners Hospital International.

Jimmy loved Decatur and always challenged people to support local business and their community. He was a founding member of First American Bank, now PNC, and was selected as the Alabama Retailer of the Year, Barrett C Shelton Freedom Award, Caddell/Grisham Hospital Foundation Honoree, as well as being the recipient of many other community awards and recognitions. He attended Athens Bible College, where he developed a great appreciation for higher Christian education. This inspired him to support several different church congregations in the area throughout his life.

Survivors include children Sheron "Lynn" (Daniel) Masters, Jimmy Ray (Wendy) Smith, Rebecca "Karen" Smith Watts, and Robert "Robby" Dean Smith of Decatur, AL

Eleven grandchildren, Melissa Masters, Bethany Lucari, Caleb Masters, Abigail Masters, Nathaniel Masters, Jimmy "Tyler" Smith, Anna Walton, Christian Smith, Charles "Brent" Watts, Jonathan Watts, Alexandra Smith, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Sister Janice (Doug) Doggett, sisters-in-law Ruth Nix, Rebecca Sharp, Charlie Bonner, Willie Mae Bonner, Annette Bonner, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, preceding him in death are infant son John "Keith" Smith,

Brothers Morris, Harold, Herman Smith and Sister Edwina Thompson.

Services will be held Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 11:00 am at Decatur Methodist Church with Rev. Kenny Baskins officiating. A Family burial service will take place at Roselawn Cemetery with Military Honors. Peck Funeral Home will oversee arrangements. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 2:00 pm on Saturday at the Burningtree Country Club.

Grandsons Tyler Smith, Christian Smith, Brent Watts, Jonathan Watts, Caleb Masters, Nathaniel Masters, and Nic Walton will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of the Valley, Decatur Daybreak Rotary Club or the charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank

Riverside Senior Living

Hospice of the Valley

Decatur Morgan Hospital

Wally Terry and Sammy Dean for being a Friend in this difficult time and the dedicated and loving employees of Jimmy Smith Jewelers.

Peck Funeral Home
1600 Hwy 31 SW
P.O. Box 427
Hartselle, AL 35640
256.773.2541
256.773.2543 (Fax)