Jerry LaVerne Smith, 85 years old, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, passed away on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at home, having fought through many physical challenges with great perseverance. He was born March 2, 1938, to Troy and Opal Smith, in Fostoria, Ohio. He eventually retired to Bella Vista, Arkansas, a place he loved so much.

He wore many hats in many places from Milkman to Marathon Gas Station owner and mechanic, then to Echlin Automotive Ignition as a traveling sales representative. That led to a long career with NAPA Auto Parts as a General Manager in West Virginia, then Illinois, and finally back in his hometown in Ohio. He then went on to sales at a Dodge dealership before moving to Texas where he sold Dodge Trucks as a Fleet Manager. One of the last occupations that Jerry loved for many years was managing and providing residents' meals at a Bella Vista retirement community alongside his dear friend and former wife, Lois. Serving and getting to know their customers was his passion.

Jerry could talk for hours about his knowledge and love of automobiles, especially any brand of Mopars. Most times you would find him tinkering in the garage, perhaps examining a household item that needed repair. Or hanging out with one of several neighborhood outdoor cats that came regularly for a meal or nap. He never met a stranger and his conversations always ended in laughter. He was known for his joking nature and the joy he brought to all.

Scripture tells us that Jesus sits in the tabernacle at the right hand of the Father, and that for us to be absent from the body, is to be in the presence of the Lord. (Revelation 7:15; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Romans 8:34). We envision Jerry's spirit was welcomed into eternity by those gone before him, including his parents, Troy and Opal Smith; stepfather, Ray Kissling; brother, Danny Smith; son-in-law, Greg Fiddick; brothers-in-law, Gene Niedzwicki and Tom Vitt; nephew, Gary Vitt; and niece, Jodie Frankart.

Jerry is survived by Lois (Inbody-Gillam) Smith (Companion); Janice Corsaut (former wife and mother of his children); son, Jerry Kevin Smith (Ani) of Elgin, Illinois; daughters, Lynn Fiddick of Bella Vista, Arkansas, Karin Johnson (Mike) of Findlay, Ohio; grandchildren: Kevin, Christopher, Cory, Sydney, Jessica (Brian), Evan (Mackenzie), and Nathaniel; great-grandchildren, Sylvia and Samuel; and his sisters, Carol Niedzwicki of Florida, Deanna Steinhauser, Marvene Vitt; sister-in-law, Norma Smith, all of Ohio; and many nieces and nephews that he dearly loved.

At Jerry's request, he will be cremated, and no services are planned at this time.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Jerry's name to the Bella Vista Animal Shelter, 32 Bella Vista Way, Bella Vista, AR 72714, or the Bella Vista Fire/EMT, P.O. Box 5655, Bella Vista, AR 72714 (or contact Amanda at 479-855-4454).

Arrangements are being made by the Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences can be left at www.funeralmation.com.