Jerry Wayne “Papa Jerry” Smith of Cassopolis, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes in his sleep at the age of 68 on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016, in his residence.

As his grandson J.J. said, “I lost my best friend, my hero, today.” His powerful and loving presence will live on through his family and community.

He was born in South Bend, Indiana, in February 1948 to Charles and Maggie Smith.

Papa Jerry will be greatly missed by family and friends. Left to cherish his memory and continue his legacy are his daughter, Danielle (Justin) Smith of Cassopolis; his son, Jason P. Smith of Cassopolis; Papa Jerry’s greatest gifts of all, his grandchildren, Alyssa N. Smith, Justin “J.J.” D. Smith II, Xander L. Smith, Jamie N. Smith, Ella A. Smith, Brooklyn R. Smith, Lyla R. Smith and Adara G. Smith; his great-granddaughter, Aria J. McLean; and his former wife, Jacque Smith of Cassopolis. Jerry is also survived by the stepmother who raised him, Wilma Smith of Memphis, Tennessee; three sisters, Charlene Zick of Greenville, South Carolina, Diane (Charles) Ingram of Erie, Michigan, and Theresa (David) Jordan of Memphis; two brothers, Steve (Melea) Smith of Karns, Tennessee, and Scott (Vicky) Smith of Knoxville, Tennessee; his many nieces and nephews; and aunt Wilma Vicent of Mishawka, Indiana.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Jamie L. Smith, who greeted him as he made his journey home.

Jerry was a 25-year decorated combat veteran of the U.S. Army, retiring with the rank of Sergeant First Class. He loved his country and would always comment how he would re-enlist in a heartbeat.

Papa Jerry was world renowned for his lack of patience, not holding back his opinion and having a knack for telling it like it is. He was highly proficient at cursing and giving someone tough love. At the same time he was the most kind-hearted, giving human being who would give you his last dollar without a second thought.

Papa Jerry was a simple man. Whether he was walking or riding his bike through town, cheering his grandkids on in the stands, chaperoning the grandkids and neighborhood kids in his daughter’s pool (even though he couldn’t swim) or doing yard work for his ex-wife and friend, Jacque Smith. That was the kind of person he was. He lived for his grandkids and family.

Family and friends will gather for a celebration of life, as those were his wishes, at 1 p.m. Saturday Dec. 10, 2016, at Camp Baber, 23605 Pokagon Highway, Cassopolis. We will be sharing stories, pictures, food and cherished memories of the one and only “Papa Jerry!”

In lieu of flowers, Papa Jerry would hope that you will do an act of kindness for someone else, and live your life to the fullest.

As those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday…

unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals in Cassopolis.

Please share a memory or a message online at wagnercares.com.