Joel "Jerry" Smith, 87, of Jackson passed away Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012 at Jackson Manor Nursing Home.

He was born March 1, 1925, in Cape Girardeau, son of Jesse "Gad" and Tishie Seabaugh Smith. He and Susan Elizabeth "Liz" Dale were married March 20, 1955 in Hernando, Miss.  She survives.

Jerry attended school in Jackson. He volunteered for the United States Army in March, 1943 and was a member of the 10th Mountain Division.  After being honorably discharged from the Army, he joined the Navy and served aboard the USS Dixie AD14. During his military career, he received a Bronze Star Medal, EAME Ribbon with two bronze stars, and a Good Conduct Medal. Jerry was proud of his service to his country and spoke often of it.

He was a sheet metal worker most of his adult life and was a member of Sheet Metal Local 36 out of St. Louis for 50 years. He worked at B.W. Birk, Associated Sheet Metal and Friedrich Sheet Metal all in Jackson. He was a life-long member of both the Altenthal-Joerns American Legion Post No. 158 in Jackson and the VFW Post No. 3838 in Cape Girardeau. He was of the Baptist Faith.

Loving survivors include: his wife of 57 years; four sons, Terry (Pearla) Smith of Jackson, Larry Smith of Yuma, Ariz., Earl Smith of Lincoln, Neb., Kenneth "Kenny" (Cindy) Smith of Rushville, Ill.; a brother, Bill (Mildred) Smith of Whitewater, Mo., a sister, Shirley Abernathy of Jackson; four grandchildren, Ike (Keri) Smith, Brook, Brandon, and Blake Smith; three great grandchildren, Kailynn, Kade and Railey.

Friends may call Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2012, from 4-8 p.m. at the chapel of McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. An American Legion Honor Guard service will be held at 7 p.m.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012, at 10 a.m., at the funeral home, with the Rev. Bobby Gene Ellis officiating.

Interment will follow in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson, with full military honors.

Memorials may be made to the Altenthal-Joerns American Legion Club Room in Jackson.

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family on-line at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.