A Celebration of Life honoring Gerald William Smith, 77, of Hebron, will be held at the Reed-Egan Funeral Home, 12:30 P.M., Sunday, May 3, 2026, with Pastor Juan Leon as celebrant. Calling will be held at the funeral home beginning at 11 A.M. until the time of the service. Military honors will be provided by the Licking County Veterans’ Alliance.

Jerry was lifted up by his angels at his home on Monday, April 14, 2026. He was born in Columbus, Ohio on February 3, 1949, to the late Gerald and Rose Ann (Gallione) Smith.

A United States Army Vietnam Veteran, Jerry was a respected sharpshooter and was awarded the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Army Commendation Medal.

Jerry never met a stranger; anyone who crossed his path was quickly made to feel comfortable, valued, and loved. He lived with a spirit of adventure and a “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” outlook that shaped the way he moved through life. His love for his children and grandchildren ran deep, and being with them meant everything to him. Jerry will always be remembered for his sweet smile, warm hugs, and the way he could brighten any moment with a good joke. On any given day you’d hear him say “Whatever”, a reflection of his easygoing, carefree nature.

Jerry was a master carpenter and his passions were painting and creating original pieces. He had many hobbies throughout his life, but his favorite was golfing with his friends. He was one of a kind and will truly be missed by all.

He is survived by his daughters, Jenny (Miguel) Garcia, Abby (Jeff) Karnes; “bonus daughters,” Johna (Bryon) Aebersold and Heather Cooper; grandchildren, Brandon Karnes, Ruby Karnes, Michael Curry (Angela Yetsick), Matthew (Cecilia) Garcia, Joshua (Savannah Williams) Garcia, Joseph Garcia, and Daniel Garcia; great-grandchildren, Trinity Curry, Liam Curry, Adora Yetsick, Marisol Garcia, and Gabriel Garcia; and sisters, Linda Beverly, Toni (Dave) Boldman, Sue (Todd) Troy, and Liz Fetherolf.

In addition to his parents, Gerald was preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, Larry Beverly and Mike Fetherolf.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 – a cause that was very dear to Jerry and to which he donated monthly.

To share your memory of Jerry or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.reedegan.com