Gerald B. Smith

Gerald B. Smith, age 93 of Otter Lake, died Friday, July 25, 2025, at The Orchards of Lapeer.  Honoring his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 2PM on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at the Mumford-Hudson Funeral Home. The family will receive visitors on Saturday, August 9, 2025 from Noon until the time of his service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the VFW, 406 W. 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111 or to St. John's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 217, 5811 Forest Ave., Otter Lake, MI 48464.

Jerry, fondly known as Buddy by his aunts, uncles and cousins, was born in Flint, MI on July 31, 1931, to Benjamin and Margaret (Worden) Smith.  He married Joanne Wescoat on May 19,1956 at St. John's Episcopal Church in Otter Lake. He served his country in the US Army during the Korean War in the ASA unit, achieving the rank of Sergeant. Jerry was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church, the Otter Lake VFW, and the Otisville American Legion. For many years Jerry was involved in the Boy Scouts of America as the Cub Master of Pack 133 and later Scout Master for Troop 133 in Otter Lake.  Jerry also served in scouting leadership roles within the Tall Pine Council District and was awarded the Council's Pine Tree award.  He was dedicated to his community. In the past, Jerry served on the Otter Lake Village Council and was a member of the Otter Lake Fire Department. In 2008 he was selected as Otter Lake's Citizen of the Year.  He enjoyed family trips, and in retirement, going to the EAA Air shows around the country.  Jerry was always out tinkering in the garage, where he worked on anything and everything, coming up with ways to fix or improve things. He attended the General Motors apprenticeship program earning a skilled trade as a Die Maker. Jerry worked in nearly every plant at "Chevy in the Hole" and was a Layout Inspector at the time of his retirement, after 39 years of employment.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne Smith; children: Stephen (Cathy) Smith and Sandra (Kim) Carls; grandchildren: Shelby (Chase) Kysar, and Kyle (Meagan) Smith; great grandson, Carter Kysar; sister, Nancy Blackmer; brothers and sisters in-law: Jay (Brenda) Wescoat, Bob (Jackie) Wescoat, June (Dave) Friday and Jim Wescoat; nephew, Kevin (Kim) Blackmer; niece, Melissa (Ron) Foskett; and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins, and his beloved dog Molly. He was preceded in death by his parents.