Jerry Wayne Smith passed away in Covington Louisiana, on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at the age of 79. Jerry was born on May 10, 1944, in Timbo, Arkansas, to Heber and Faye (Goodman) Smith. Living in the Ozarks sparked his life-long love for the outdoors, and he spent hours throughout his life hunting and fishing. As a teenager, Jerry and his family moved to Fayetteville, where he finished high school. He graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in mathematics and then decided to pursue a career with the Social Security Administration. However, training for his new job was interrupted by a call to serve in Vietnam, where Jerry proudly served in the U. S. Army Infantry. Upon his return to civilian life, Jerry picked up his training with the Social Security Administration. Work eventually brought Jerry to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he met Suzi Allen. In 1973, Jerry opened the first Social Security office in Covington, Louisiana, serving as branch manager. Jerry and Suzi married in 1978, and they moved to Hammond. After a distinguished career with the SSA, Jerry retired in 2001 and began his “second act,” pursuing all of his favorite hobbies. In his many years of retirement, Jerry was able to indulge in hours of reading, hunting, fishing, and telling tall tales. Luckily, hunting and fishing brought Jerry into contact with some of his closest friends, and they could spend hours regaling each other with stories of their most impressive conquests. One of Jerry’s favorite pastimes in retirement was writing a weekly column in the local newspaper entitled “Tangi Hunting,” which he co-authored with his good friend and fellow hunter Stan Johnson. Jerry was a charter member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Hammond. There, he added his beautiful bass voice to the choir for many years. In addition to singing, he also loved listening to southern gospel music. He looked forward to Sunday school and Sunday lunches with friends and fellow choir members. In later years, Jerry was affectionately known as “the doughnut man,” supplying many a tasty treat for all to enjoy at the Welcome Center. Jerry is survived by his wife Norma Sue “Suzi” Allen Smith, his sons Matthew and Michael, and his favorite four-legged companion, Oliver “T-Toot” Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Larry Taylor Smith. Jerry was a jokester, a storyteller, and a generous friend. He was a man of many opinions and even more jokes, and he will be missed by all who knew him. A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at Immanuel Baptist Church in Hammond, Louisiana. Visitation will be from 12:00—1:00 P.M., with services beginning at 1:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Immanuel Baptist Church of Hammond, Louisiana (1503 Pecan Street, Hammond 70401).
