Jerry Glenn Smith, Jr.

Mr. Jerry Glenn Smith, Jr., 55, of Murfreesboro passed away on January 14, 2024.  He was born on May 18, 1968, in Murfreesboro, TN.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry Glenn Smith, Sr. and Sharon Kay (Edwards) Parman and by all but one of his siblings.

He is survived by his children, Stacee (Brett) Smith of Murfreesboro, Jerry (Lou Humphries) Smith, III of Murfreesboro, brother, David “Davy” Crockett, eight grandchildren, Haleigh Sisco, Kyle Roden, Hannah Smith, Karah Smith, Brandon Pendergrast, Nevaeh Smith, Lena Smith, and Ayla Smith.

Life with Jerry was anything but dull.  His family and friends could see quickly, he wasn’t someone who would fit into a conventional mold.  When he was made, they broke the mold and threw it away, so there could only be one.  When comedian, Steve Martin coined the phrase, “wild and crazy guy” on Saturday Night Live, Jerry may have been watching and taking notes.  That uniqueness translated into a free spirited, spontaneous ball of energy who would bounce from one thing to another without warning.  

One thing you could count on was wherever he was he was happy.  When it came to work, he could best be described as the proverbial “Jack of All Trades”.  While he didn’t master all the trades his unstoppable nature did mean he would finish them even if there was some extra engineering need to complete the task at hand.  He could tackle anything from carpentry, to painting, or electrical. Grease was his preferred cologne though. The more he could get on his hands or clothes the happier he was.  He was a certified Mopar fanatic.  If it had a Hemi in it, he was good to go for a ride or to turn a wrench on it.  

After graduating Oakland High School, he landed a job at Paramount Packaging and stayed for several years.  Then he went in a completely different direction.  He took a job driving a cab for City Cab.  Needless to say, he found every shortcut and the roads less traveled to get to the destination as quickly as possible. He also found out where not to be caught out after dark or even daylight.   When he left the job at City Cab, he signed on to learn the electrician trade working for several years at Vanderbilt Medical Center doing upgrades and renovations.  

In his time off the fun continued.  While he wasn’t necessarily a pool shark, he did enjoy racking up a few games and there may have been some opportunities to play for more than just fun on occasion.  Even if money wasn’t part of the game, bragging rights were always good.  Adult beverages would be enjoyed and plenty of laughs were sure to follow.  Oh, and there were war stories to tell about his days as a cabbie or any number of other subjects.  

On the more serious side, growing up his aunt Ethel, made sure he knew about the most important thing in life.  That was going to church to learn about God, develop faith, and a relationship with Him. He may not have always found his way into a pew for church services as he got older but, he knew God.  One of the key lessons he learned was not to judge others.  Whatever your situation or background he wasn’t going to put you down or pass judgement.  

Family was important to him he loved his children and grandchildren dearly.  His son was dubbed Jerry Glenn Smith, III to keep the family tradition going.  He would often load up the fishing poles and tackle box to spend some quality time together with them.  When his kids came along, he wanted to share his wealth of knowledge.  That meant showing them all those shortcuts around town, how to work on their vehicles, and generally how to be a “Jack”.  

The family will hold a private service to pay tribute to him following his cremation.  Share memories and condolences with them at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com  Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337.  Because every life has a story.