Jerry Howard Smith

Jerry Howard Smith, 83, of Simpsonville, SC, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 9, 2022. He was at his home, surrounded by family. He was born in Baker County, Georgia, November 4, 1938, to the late Thomas Frederick and Emily Irene Thornton Smith. He farmed from the time he was big enough to reach the handles of a mule-drawn plow until his retirement. He was a longtime member and deacon at Arlington Baptist Church before he moved to South Carolina, where he was a member of Beth Haven Baptist Church. Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Scott Howard Smith; one sister, Janice Chandler; and one brother, Frederick Smith. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Linda Willis Smith of Simpsonville, SC; two daughters, Jerri Lynn Swindell and husband Sean of Ft. Myer, VA, and Audrey Kessler and husband Andy of Pelzer, SC; four grandchildren, Nicholas and Hannah Swindell and Erica and Haley Kessler; two sisters, Montine Ondracek of Watkinsville, GA, and June Cox of Albany, GA; and several beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members. A visitation will be held at Heritage Funeral Home in Simpsonville on Sunday, June 12, 2022, from 4:30-6pm. The funeral service will be held at Arlington Baptist Church in Arlington, GA, on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at 11:00 AM with Preacher Marty Henley officiating. Visitation will be at 10:00 AM at the church. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Arlington, GA with Tony Smith, Hank Jester, Will Jester, Randy Adams, Dan Harris, John Davis, Larry Worsley, Richard Ward, Mike Newberry and Mike Stuart serving as pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers will be John Davis' Sunday School Class: Ike Newberry, Mickey Jordan, Hollis Adams, Ray Carter, Linton Thompson, John Timmons, Roy Stuart, Bud Newberry, and Jimmy Worsley. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oak Grove Cemetery, In Care of Chuck Cowart, 16 Pioneer RD, Arlington, GA, 39813.