Jerry Wayne Smith

It is with great sadness that the family of Jerry Wayne Smith announces his sudden passing. Jerry's journey on this earth ended as he stepped from time to eternity on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at his home on Old Biloxi Road south of Daisy Vestry. His passing has left a void in the lives of his family, friends, and his three dog pals.

Jerry was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi on April 20, 1959, to the late Rev. Vernon L. & Alice Maxine Smith. He graduated high school in Weogufka, Alabama in 1978. After moving to Mississippi, he met & married Tina Wilson in 1982, and together they had two beautiful children. They made their home on Old Biloxi Road until his homegoing.

Jerry spent most of his working years at Ingall's Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi. After working there 30+ years, he retired & has been actively involved in the lives of his grandchildren; either being at ballfields, volleyball courts, looking for Sasquatch, attending school programs or in the woods teaching about hunting & guns, he loved being with his grands...because to Jerry, they were GRAND! And to the grands, Jerry was affectionately known as "Pappy".

Jerry has had many past times and hobbies that he's enjoyed over the years. One that has always been present was his love for reading. He loved reading about this country's history, especially the many different wars that the U.S. has been involved in. He was also interested in autobiographies & political novels, as well as Louis L'Amour westerns. Jerry was forever looking for new jokes to tell the kids just to see their smiles. Carpentry work, be it at home or at work, was something else that Jerry enjoyed. He was quite capable of building and remodeling and had an eye for detail. Travel was another of Jerry's favorite things to do, especially to the Smoky Mountains. He was great at playing Santa Claus at Singing River Mall, making sure all the children had a happy experience meeting Santa.

Jerry was a former pastor of Red Creek Baptist Church in Daisy Vestry. He loved serving his community in this role. He was a quiet man & at family & church gatherings, he was never the one leading in conversation but would rather sit back & listen.

Jerry's signature beard was part of who he was, and after retirement, he let it grow even longer! His quiet strength and enduring love will be missed by all.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Smith & two infant siblings. He is survived by his ex-wife/friend, Tina Smith of Vancleave, his son Jonathan (Kelley) Smith of Vancleave, & his daughter, Melissa (Derek) of Brooklyn, his grandchildren, Emily & Addy Smith, & Brayden, Dalylah & Brendyn Ladner. Jerry is also survived by one brother, Keith L. Smith (Deborah) Janice community, one sister-in-law, Linda Smith of Union, as well as numerous nieces & nephews.

A visitation for Jerry will be held at Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home in Vancleave on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 10:00a.m. -12:00p.m. The funeral service will be at 12:00 p.m.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Jerry Wayne Smith.