Jerry Rye Smith, 78, passed away at his residence in Amory on Thursday, July 9, 2026. He was born in Amory on June 11, 1948 to the late Horace and Purley Mae Thompson Smith. Jerry attended Amory School and married Donna Chaney. For over 30 years, Jerry worked as a fabrication welder at Palmer Bodies in Amory. He enjoyed playing pool, collecting old coins and watching MSU sports. Jerry loved his family and was especially proud of his great grandsons, Cayden and Colton. He was of the Baptist faith.
Jerry is survived by his daughter, Deandra “Dee” Smith; granddaughter, Jade Jones, Fulton; sister, Sheila Randle, Amory; great grandsons, Cayden Prestage and Colton Price Grantham; special niece and caregiver, Vickie Champagne; a host of other nieces and nephews.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Horace and Purley Smith; his wife, Donna Smith.
Funeral services will be held at 2 PM on Monday, July 13, 2026 at Cleveland Moffett Funeral Home with Chuck Moffett officiating.
Visitation will be prior to the service on Monday from 1 PM until the service hour at 2 PM.
