Jerry Allen Smith

Jerry Allen Smith

Jerry Allen Smith, 75, of Dothan, passed away Friday, November 19, 2021, after a brief illness. Jerry was born in Henry County on April 26, 1946, the second son of Simon Bentley and Nona Pearl Ward Smith. Jerry joined older brother Billy, and later Max, James, and Fred completed the family of five boys. The family grew up in Madrid, Alabama where Jerry attended school. At an early age, Jerry learned to “tinker.”  Like his father, if something had a motor or engine, Jerry could repair it. Family members recall Jerry diagnosing a problem over the telephone by just listening for the issue. Once diagnosed, he could tell you how to fix it - over the telephone walking you step-by-step. If needed, he was “on his way” before you were off the call, or he was waiting for you when you showed up. It was not unusual for Jerry to have vehicles lined up awaiting his mechanical expertise.  

Jerry was a sought-after mechanic. He began his career at Evan’s Auto Center. He worked at Glover’s and Sewell’s Garage. He was a co-owner in automotive repair shops, including Simer & Smith, with Cliff Simer, and at Ward and Smith with his uncle Royce Ward. Jerry’s youngest brother, Fred, shared the family talent for automotive repair and he and Jerry worked together for all but a few years. Following work at local dealerships, Jerry joined the Public Works Department with the City of Dothan where he worked, again with his brother Fred, as a city mechanic for many years. He was a trusted mechanic and enjoyed sharing his knowledge and passion for his trade. He enjoyed spending time in his “office” (the garage) and likely had any needed part. Whether in a shop or under a shade tree, Jerry was happiest if he was helping someone.  

In September, Jerry lost his wife of 43 years, Bobbi Jean Everett Smith. He was Bobbi’s caregiver for the few years and missed her tremendously. Jerry leaves three children, Barbara Proctor, Debra Mercer, and Bobby (Angela) Smith. Grandchildren Becky, Christopher, Jonathan, Celeste, Casey, Zack, Justin, Joshua, and Jeremy Smith will miss Pawpaw. Jerry was a cherished bonus dad to Bobbi’s daughters, Donna and Kelli, and was the best Pawpaw to their daughters, Victoria (Tyler), Haley (Collin), Keelin, and Madison. Pawpaw was as quick to show you how to check your oil or tire pressure as he was to play dress up or beauty parlor.  

Jerry is survived by his brothers, Billy John (Minnie Jean) Smith, Max Wayne (Judy) Smith, James Robert (Teri) Smith, and Benny Fred (Alisa) Smith, his children, grandchildren, and great grand-children Sebastian, Justine, Braden, Brandon, Bentley, Eli, and Paisley, as well as nieces and nephews.

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