Jerry Lynn Smith "Smitty" 's Obituary
Services for Jerry Lynn Smith “Smitty” 78, of Hallsville, TX will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 14, 2015, at Little Flock Baptist Church in Longview, TX with the Pastor Randy Pitts and Rev. Ted White officiating. Jerry went to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 10, 2015 in his home after a brave battle with cancer. The family will receive friends at Rader Funeral Home in Longview Tuesday, January 13, 2015 6 and 8 p.m.
He was born February 10, 1936 in Old London, TX to Thomas and Willie Mae Smith. He grew up in Longview and graduated from Longview High School in 1954. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Jimmie Smith, sister Joyce Russell, and daughter Carolyn Donald of Hallsville. He is survived by his devoted wife and first love Dorothy Hamlin of almost 60 years, and daughters and sons-in-law Gayle Ferrell and Robert, Sherrie Patterson and Jeff. Grandchildren Rob Ferrell, Kim Cotton, Lindsey Melson, Jake Donald, Holly Johnson, Morgan Donald, Jessica Walters, Spencer Patterson, 8 great-grandchildren and soon to be 10 all of Hallsville and Longview, and cousins.
Jerry attended Kilgore College and studied auto mechanics. He loved building engines and auto repair for anyone in need, with a keen ear to diagnose trouble and a zest for speed. He loved his family and friends and always exhibited strong Christian faith and values. He became a Deacon in his church and taught youth in Sunday School for many years. He loved racing of any kind, including boats. In 1976 he established Smitty’s Four Wheel Drive to serve four-wheel customers throughout East Texas. His zest for competition prompted him to build his own race and mud cars “Overtime” and “Running Bear”, for which became tough contenders as result of his driving skills and special ability to construct a winning engine. He became a legend in East Texas as a man of integrity in the four-wheel drive business, with production of quality work with fair and honest business dealings of all persons. He will always be remembered for his silly jokes and hunting stories, guaranteed to make you laugh even if you didn’t feel like it. It remained his coping throughout. He will greatly be missed by family and friends throughout East Texas.
Special friends: Randy Knight and James Wardlaw. Special life-long friends, hunting buddies, and Honorary Pallbearers: Jerrell Terry, Roy Taylor, and Jimmy Bailey. Pallbears: Rob Ferrell, Jake Donald, Spencer Patterson, Mark Taylor, Jeremy Cotton, Sam Melson, Arthur Johnson, and Connor Walters.
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