Gerald "Jerry" Smith

Gerald W. “Jerry” Smith, age 88 of Battle Creek and formerly of Athens, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026. He was born on May 16, 1937, in Battle Creek, Michigan, the son of George Charles and Joyce (Sunday) Smith. Jerry was a graduate of Athens High School and went on to own and operate Jerry’s Marathon Station as well as Carquest Auto Parts for many years, retiring in 2003. Jerry was a member of Country Chapel Church in Dowling, loved all things John Deere and enjoyed collecting Kaiser Frazier Automobile memorabilia. His parents owned the first Kaiser dealership in Athens. On July 1, 1956, he married Mary Lou (Prough) in the Athens Congregational Church, and she preceded him in death on December 16, 2025. Following retirement Jerry and Mary loved to travel around the country by car, he was not a big fan of flying. He also volunteered at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital and was recognized as employee of the month several times. Jerry is survived by his sons: Denis (Susan) Smith of St. Petersburg, Florida and David (Wendy) Smith of Battle Creek; daughter-in-law: Susan Smith of Battle Creek; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary Smith and Son Douglas Smith. The family will receive friends at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home with Rev. Rick Foster of Country Chapel Church officiating. Interment will follow at Burr Oak Cemetery in Athens. The family requests memorial contributions be given to Country Chapel Church. www.henryfuneralhome.org