Gerald Smith

Gladstone, MIGerald A. “Jerry” “Smitty” Smith, 70, of 8605 M.5 Road, Gladstone, passed away Saturday evening October 15, 2016 at home following a lengthy illness.

Gerald was born May 1, 1946 in Manistique, Michigan the son of Alger and Elvira (Rice) Smith. He was raised in Lower Michigan before returning Gulliver. Jerry graduated from Manistique High School in 1964 where he participated in football.

Following graduation, Jerry served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1968. He was stationed on the U.S.S. Caloosahatchee and U.S.S. Towhee. Upon his honorable discharge he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

Jerry was united in marriage to the former Nora Christine Nelson on June 4, 1966 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Manistique. They made their home in Gladstone where they raised their family.

Jerry worked one year in Battle Creek for the Grand Trunk Western Railroad Company before working for Mead Paper Company for over 30 years. He was an Electrician for I.B.E.W. #979 and also served as the Union’s Business Agent for 21 years. He also served on the Pinecrest Board of Trustee, Whispering Pines Advisory Committee and the Delta County Department of Human Services for many years.

Smitty’s coaching career spanned over 43 years. His coaching career began in the Women’s Slow Pitch League, Tri-County Boy’s League, American Legion Baseball, Senior Boy’s League, Big and Senior League Softball and his last 11 years of coaching was with the Gladstone High School Softball teams. Some of his player’s accomplishments were two 2nd place finishes in the Sr. League Softball World Series and 2 High School State Championships for Gladstone High School in 2004 and 2009 and numerous 2nd place finishes.

Jerry treasured spending time in Gods Country at his camp. His hobbies included hunting, fishing and attending his grandchildren’s ball games. He loved making jigsaw puzzles. Smitty was an avid Detroit Lions fan.

Jerry was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone.

In addition to his wife of 50 years, Nora, survivors include:

Mother: Elvira Sebright of Manistique, MI

Sons:
Al (Heidi) Smith of Escanaba
Scott Smith of Oshkosh, WI
Cory (Denise) Smith of Appleton, WI

Foster Daughter: Melissa (Jim) Barnes of Gaithersburg, MD

Brother: Howard (Carol) Smith of Manistique, MI
Sisters:
Cheryl (Bob) Goudreau of Manistique, MI

Grandchildren: Casey (Percy) Leach, Logan, Tanner and Brennan Smith

Foster grandchildren: Cody, Samantha and Colten Barnes

Great Grandchildren: Aydin and Wyatt Smith

Jerry’s dog: Sadie

In addition to his father, his daughter-in-law, Susan, brother, Dale and sisters, Darlene (Walter) Welch and Sandy Smith preceded Jerry in death.

Jerry’s family will receive friends on Saturday October 22, 2016 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Vigil prayers and sharing by family and friends will conclude the visitation. Visitation will also be held on Sunday October 23, 2016 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone. Funeral services celebrating the life of Jerry “Smitty” Smith will follow at 4:00 pm with Tom Otis, Pastor, officiating. Luncheon will follow in the First Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. Burial will be in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells. Memorial contributions in memory of Coach Smith may be directed to the Smith family for the Gladstone High School Girls Softball Program.