Jerry Lee Smith
Obituary
Jerry Lee Smith liked doing things his own way. Born in the military hospital in Muskogee on Dec. 6, 1943. Mother and son returned to Arkansas, “against my will” Jerry said. Three years after Jerry’s father was killed while serving under Gen. Patton in Germany, the family returned to Oklahoma.
He never left the state again.
Even in the womb Jerry had a sense of place. That place was Oklahoma, and he loved her dearly.
He also had a sense of purpose. Two, actually. One was serving his beloved state as an elected official, which he accomplished in 1972, being elected to the state House representing District 76.
He was 29, an age many men are still chasing girls. He didn’t need to. He found the only one he wanted, Sally Howe. She was his other purpose.
Tragedy struck Jerry as a young man in the form of cancer. Jerry beat cancer then, but the ghastly specter loomed like a wraith all the rest of his life.
Overcoming fears of his own mortality, he married Sally on January 19, 1975, and they had a son, Tucker, on January 13, 1985. Jerry would continue serving Oklahoma in the House and eventually Senate for a remarkable 32 years, before term limits forced him out in 2004.
Jerry was a solid-red Republican when Oklahoma’s Legislature was still yellow-dog Democrat. Yet he was never a stubborn obstructionist. He achieved many things with his Democratic colleagues, most notably lifelong friendships.
A testament to his reputation came when Gov. Brad Henry appointed Jerry to serve as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, the first time a Democratic Governor had appointed a Republican Legislator to a major committee.
Four decades after Jerry’s first diagnosis, his lifelong enemy returned. Cancer was not to be denied this time. Jerry gave it a great fight for two years. Sally, his wife of 40 years, never left his side.
He died on January 30, 2015. Jerry had achieved his life's twin purposes – serving the state he loved, and marrying one of her daughters, Sally.
Just as he was born here, he will be buried here. Jerry would’ve wanted it that way.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to your favorite charity in memory of Jerry.
Events
Tributes & Memories
Funeral Home Owner
Sally, I am so very sorry to learn of Jerry's death. I just found out today. He was a good friend and contributed greatly to the state. I can only imagine the hole this leaves in your life. You and your family have my sincere sympathy. Sen. Mike Fair
Mike Fair
Sally & Tucker our thoughts and prayers are with. We are here for you if you need anything. We love you and Jerry will be missed by all of us.
Nancy & Jimmy Fritts
I am so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. I remember how proud you were of Jerry when you told me of his appointment to the Judiciary Committee. I will keep you in my good thoughts.
Cindy Sugerman
Sally and Tucker, we were very saddened to hear of Jerry's passing. We're so sorry for your loss. Jerry was a wonderful man and a great father. It was an honor to have known him. Prayers of comfort for you and the rest of your family.
Ms. Irene and Teresa
My prayers go out to Sally and the family. Jerry was a wonderful and caring person. I have fond memories of him working the crossword puzzle every morning in my office. He served his State with great honor and respect and did indeed loved his wife and Tucker immensely. He will be greatly missed by all Oklahoma.
Novie Grimwood
Sally, I'm so sorry to hear about Jerry. I remember his first battle and how he was so young to have to fight such a devastating disease. I have only good memories of you and Jerry. Please know that I am keeping you in thought and prayer. Jodi Jones
Jodi Jones
He was such a wonderful person. He will be missed. Our prayers are with you, Sally and Tucker and the rest of his family. MaDonna Mead
MaDonna Mead
Sally, I am so sorry for your heavy heart at this time. Please know our God will help carry your through this very tough time and be with you. Love and prayer, Michael and Cheryl Ashley
Cheryl Ashley
Our prayers and sympathy to Sally and the family. Naomi and Don Lynch (Tulsa County Farm Bureau)
Don Lynch
Sally and Tucker, we are so sorry to hear of the passing of Jerry. May you find comfort in your memories. Love, Gary and Vicki Brown
Gary and Vicki Brown
Sally I am thinking of you now and tomorrow. Please know how much I care about you and how deeply I know Jerry will be missed in your life and your son's life. Kay
Kay Lindsey
Sally and Tucker: We were saddened to learn of Jerry's passing. Our deepest sympathy to you, Tucker and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and may God grant you peace. Eddetta and Chris Grant
Eddetta Beier Grant
Sally and Tucker, I was saddened to read about your loss of Jerry in today's paper. I know how special he was to both of you. I will keep you both in my prayers, giving thanks for the service that Jerry gave to all of us here in Oklahoma. With heartfelt sympathy, Linda
Linda K Greaves
Great friend and colleague.
Ted Fisher
Dear Sally, I just got a call from Dixie Tate and she gave me the sad news. Both you and Jerry have such a special place in my heart. You, for when we met at TU, went with me to the book store and bought GDI tshirts. (I still have mine) And Jerry discussing the pros and cons of Walmart with me. Working on the campaigns together all the way to you two attending my moms funeral.(She would have been so proud knowing THE Tulsa County Clerk and an OK State Senator attended her funeral.) good times and bad. I do not know when the funeral is/was, but please know you are in my heart and in my prayers. I'm so glad that Tucker is there with you. Know I appreciate the old memories with you and would love to make new ones. Take care my Friend! Lalu Cylvia
Cylvia Westbrook Stevenson