Jerry Wilford Smelser, 85, passed away February 19, 2023. He was born January 2, 1938 in Red Bay, AL and graduated from Red Bay High School in 1955.
He left the family farm to attend Freed-Hardeman University, and then transferred to Auburn University where he graduated in 1959 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
In 1960, he moved to Huntsville to work for NASA and was a Charter Member of the Marshall Space Flight Center. He retired as a Senior Executive in 2004 after 43 years. During that time he worked as a Design Engineer on Apollo and on Process and Experiments on Skylab. He also worked as the Project Manager of the Space Shuttle Main Engine and Space Shuttle External Tank.
He received awards from NASA for Outstanding Leadership for his knowledge of propulsion systems and manufacturing techniques, and two Exceptional Service awards for his work on the Space Shuttle Main Engine and External Tank. He also was awarded the Outstanding Alumnus Award in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University, and the Alumnus Award from Freed-Hardeman University.
He was a longtime member of Chase Park Church of Christ and Mayfair Church of Christ. His passion for studying the Bible led him to teach classes at several different churches he attended throughout his life, and to go on many mission trips.
During retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his beloved wife, and spent many winters in south Florida. He thoroughly enjoyed attending the activities of his grandchildren and served on the Board of the House of Compassion in Rochester, MN for 20 years.
His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Mr. Smelser is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mildred McFerrin Smelser; sons, Dr. Jim Smelser (Karen), of Huntsville, and Paul Smelser (LeeAnn) of Madison; sisters, Lou Powell and Sue Crane (Bill), both of Birmingham; grandchildren, Andrew Smelser (Lauryn), Caroline Smelser, Cole Smelser, Connor Smelser, and Ryan Smelser; and great-granddaughter, Emery Smelser. He was preceded in death by his parents, Evett Monroe Smelser and Harriet Elizabeth Blacklidge Smelser.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, February 24th at Chase Park Church of Christ, followed by the service, with John Denney officiating. A private burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Chase Park Church of Christ Mission Fund or the House of Compassion.
