Jerry Smith

ABILENE: Jerrell (Jerry) Mills Smith, 78, formerly of Eastland and Arlington, passed away on October 19, 2017, at Hendrick Medical Center, Abilene, after a ten-year battle with Primary MyleoFibrosis . Services will be held on Monday, October 23, 2017, 11:00a.m. in the First United Methodist Church Sanctuary, Eastland, directed by Fry-Smith Funeral Home, Tuscola and assisted by Piersal Funeral Directors, Abilene.

Jerry was born on September 28, 1939, to Harry Milner and Katherine (Kuykendall) Smith in Fort Worth. He was their only child. Jerry grew up in Fort Worth and graduated from Poly High School in 1957.

Following graduation from the University of North Texas, Jerry entered the U.S. Marine Corps in Pensacola, FL, as a 2nd Lt., where he began his flight training in fixed wing, earning aircraft carrier qualification, before volunteering to transfer into the rotary wing, flying the H34 Helicopter. After five years of active service, Jerry became a reserve officer until 1970.

In 1966, Jerry began his commercial airline career of 29 years with Braniff International, Piedmont and retiring from U.S. Airways in 1995.

Upon retirement, Jerry and Mary Jo enjoyed time at their home in Colorado and traveling the country in their motorhome with their grandchildren before starting his ranching career of 15 years.

Jerry was active in the First United Methodist Church of Eastland where he was a trustee and served on several committees. He was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity and Braniff Silver Eagles.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Jo Holt Smith; son Matt Smith (Rachel) of Tuscola; daughter Leigh Ann Smith of Fort Worth; two grandsons, Morgan and Chandler Smith, and a granddaughter, Eliesabeth Smith of Tuscola, and sister-n-law , Betty Ann Holt of Dallas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Folds of Honor, 8551 N. 125th East Avenue, Owasso, OK, 74055 or First United Methodist Church Building Fund, 215 S. Mulberry Street, Eastland, Texas, 76448.

Condolences may be left at www.fry-smith.com.