Jerry Teddy “Pops” Smith, 77, Excelsior Springs, passed away Oct. 13, 2020, at his home, surrounded by his loving wife of 27 years, along with family and friends.

Jerry was born Dec. 24, 1942, in Thedford, Nebraska, to Thomas A. and Dora E. (Betts) Smith, and was raised in Blair, Nebraska. He lived in many places throughout his life, including California and Washington, and worked for Rockford Screw Products in Rockford, Illinois, for many years.

After working as a road grader in Nebraska for many years, he moved to Missouri, where he found the love of his life. Jerry worked for PDI-Wagner Industries in Kansas City for 18 years. After his retirement in 2005, he continued to work part time at PDI for about 10 years as a consultant.

Jerry loved fishing and playing cards; was a big Chiefs fan; judged barbecue contests, including the American Royal; and loved gardening. He was always proud of his flowers.

He looked forward to the Smith reunions every two years since 1978, where he loved to pitch horseshoes and spend time with his family.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas A. and Dora E. (Betts) Smith; siblings, Helen Behling, Henry “Sonny” T. Smith, Dorothy “Midge” L. Rosterman, Donald “Buck” W. Smith, Andrew “Jack” Smith and Robert “Bob” D. Smith; and two infant siblings.

Survivors include his wife, Dee Smith, and grandson, Joshua Jewell, of the home.

Jerry had five children, Gary D. Smith, Jeff A. and Carrie Smith, Tina M. and Timm Strahl, Daniel B. Smith, and John J. and Sherry Smith; six stepchildren, Kenneth L. Jewell Sr., Crystal M. Routledge (deceased), Linda J. Harris, William E. Jewell, Terri L. Reynolds and Dee Dee S., and Curt Delana, which he loved like his own; 38 grandchildren; 58 great-grandchildren; a brother, Tom Smith and his wife, Pat; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jerry leaves behind a family of three generations of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be missed by all.

Visitation was held Oct. 22, 2020, at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs.