Jerry David Smith, Sr.

Jerry David Smith, Sr., also known by many as JD, of Conyers, was born on March 6, 1929 and peacefully passed away on December 30, 2023 at the age of 94.

He attended Conyers High School, where he graduated as valedictorian in 1948. He furthered his education at the University of Georgia, earning a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 1956. Jerry proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict as a member of the United States Army. Following his military service, he built a successful career in the field of insurance claims and losses for property and automobiles. Over his career, he worked for Fireman's Fund Insurance Company, Transamerica Insurance Company, and Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance. Even in retirement from his career, Jerry's dedication and desire to work continued with his delivering parts for Courtesy Ford in Conyers for a decade.

His commitment to family was evident when he retired fully in 2011 to care for his ailing wife, Ollie. Jerry was a loving husband and devoted father. He was actively involved in the community, participating in the Rockdale County Republican Party, the Republican Party of Georgia, and worshiping at Zion Baptist Church. He had a passion for NASCAR, his favorite driver being Awesome Bill from Dawsonville. And, he was a huge fan of the Georgia Bulldog – Go Dawgs!, having been a season ticket holder for many years - attending both home and away games between the 1960s and 1980s.

From an early age, Jerry exhibited a love for cars, especially Fords. He could identify the make, model, and year of automobiles from the Ford Model T to today's Ford Mustang Mach E. His affinity for animals, showcased through a lifetime of having pets: from having a pet tom turkey that he would carry under his arm while riding his bike, to his constant companion, Mitzi, a cherished kitty cat who has brought him joy for the last 12 years.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Ollie Smith, to whom he was devoted for 55 years; as well as his parents, Harvey Lillion Smith and Mary Margaret (Holland) Smith; his siblings, Carlton James Smith, Harold Rexford Smith, Edna Lexter (Smith) Folds, Harvey Clifton Smith; and nephew James Ray Smith and niece Theresa Dale Smith.

Jerry is survived by his son, Jerry D. Smith, Jr.; sister, Lucy Margurie Smith McGee; brother and sister-in-law, Jonas Monroe, Jr. and Doris Mae Smith; brother and sister-in-law Sidney Ray and Virginia Anne Smith; his nieces and nephews, Bonnie Nadine (Smith) Jones, Martha Ann Elrod, Jeffrey Monroe Smith, Lyn Kathryn (Smith) Gay, Matthew Monroe Smith, James Gregory Smith, as well as grandnieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Funeral Service for Mr. Smith will be held Saturday, January 6, 2024 3:00 P.M. at the Caldwell & Cowan chapel, 1215 Access Road, in Covington, with the reverend Frank Dawes officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family at the funeral home, Caldwell & Cowan, 1215 Access Road, in Covington, Friday, January 5, 2024 from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M and Saturday, January 6, 2023 from 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Zion Baptist Church (7037 Highway 212; Covington, GA 30016), or plant a tree in memory of Jerry David Smith, Sr.