Gerald Emerson "Jerry" Smith

Gerald "Jerry" Smith, 68, of Grants Pass passed away Friday August 12, 2011 at his home. Private Family Services will be held. He was born on August 27, 1942 in Seattle, Washington to Cabot and Jessie Smith. When he was just a boy his family moved to Grants Pass from Seattle. Jerry was baptized at St. Luke's Episcopal Church as a child. He served in the United States Navy from January 19, 1961 until his honorable discharge on January 18, 1965. While in the Navy he worked as a Naval Air Mechanic and served in the Drum and Bugle Corps while stationed in Tennessee. He was the Barber's Point Naval Air Station wrestling champion while he was stationed in Hawaii. On June 21, 1969 he married Katherine Ann Smith at First Baptist Church in Grants Pass. Jerry owned and operated Grants Pass Sign Company for 42 years. Jerry rolled the first 300 game in Grants Pass at age 17. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, surfing, playing guitar and steel guitar, writing music and art (water colors). In addition to his wife survivors include two daughters Stacy Smith of Talent and Rebecca Meitz of Vancouver, WA; sister Sally Grenney of Logan, Utah; four grandchildren.