Jerry D. Smith

Jerry D. Smith

Saltillo- Jerry D. Smith, age 84, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026. He was born on January 13, 1942, to Jim Smith and Cleo Pearson Smith.

During his high school years, Jerry was a standout football player, serving as the team’s center. His leadership and dedication helped lead his team to numerous championship victories, creating memories and friendships that lasted a lifetime.

After graduating high school, Jerry attended East Central College in Ada, Oklahoma, where he continued to pursue his education and prepare for his future career. During this time, he also proudly served his country as a member of the Army Reserve for six years.

Following college, Jerry began a successful career in sales, specializing in selling furniture to manufacturers. His work ethic, determination, and business acumen quickly set him apart. His career took him to several different places over the years, beginning in Dallas, Texas, before eventually leading him to New Orleans, Louisiana. New Orleans would become his home for the next 46 years.

In 1984, Jerry married the love of his life, Regina Smith. Together they built a life filled with dedication, partnership, and shared experiences.

Jerry was a driven and disciplined businessman who had a strong passion for the stock market and investing. He believed deeply in hard work, personal responsibility, and always doing one’s absolute best. A no-nonsense and straightforward man, Jerry was known for being honest, direct, and matter-of-fact in everything he did. While he had little patience for laziness, he always respected those who worked hard and gave their best effort.

Behind his straightforward nature was a man with a generous and caring heart. Jerry was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who asked. He was known for being kind, giving, and supportive to those around him. His friendly nature and genuine character earned him the respect of many throughout his life.

Jerry will be remembered for his integrity, his dedication to hard work, his willingness to help others, and the strong principles he lived by every day.

He is survived by his wife, Regina Caples Smith; children, Patricia “Trish” Lynn Weaver (Rusty) and Deborah Ann Barnes; grandchildren, Wes Weaver (Barbie), Zac Weaver, Max Weaver (Kaitlyn), Katie Barnes, and Sam Barnes (Courtney); great-grandchild, Brewer Barnes; siblings, Sue Evans, David Smith, Betty Fields; nieces and nephews, Becky Sullivan, Beth McCuller (Darby), Kyle Caples (Shaunda), Laura Yonker, Kayla Reeder (Chad), Adam Caples Chris Caples, Maureen Evans, Robbie Green, Kelly Green, Kevin Smith, Michelle Nealeigh, Michael Fields, Travis Mosher; several great-nieces and nephews; and one great-great-newphew.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Cleo Smith; brother, Jim Smith, Jr.; and sister, Anita Green.

Private family services will be at a later date. Pegues Funeral Directors have been entrusted with the arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made at www.PeguesFuneralHome.com.