Jerrel Dan Smalley, 75 of Arab passed away at his residence Monday, May 13, 2024. Dan was born at the old Guntersville Hospital on Ringold Street March 12, 1949, the son of Jerrel Smalley and Louise Martin Smalley. He was a 1967 graduate of Arab High School and a 1973 graduate of Samford University. Dan served in the Alabama Air National Guard and was in the poultry industry for 39 years. At one time he had the largest broiler farm in Alabama. He also developed real estate. Dan was a lifetime member of Arab First Baptist Church where he served in numerous leadership roles. He was at one time President or Chairman of the Board of the following: Gold Kist, Inc., Atlanta, Farm Foundation, Chicago, Alabama 4-H Foundation, Alabama Agribusiness Council, Alabama Poultry and Egg Association, Alabama Conservation Commission, Alabama Ag LEADERS Alumni Association, Marshall County Farmers Federation, Marshall County Economical Development Council, Marshall County Healthcare Foundation, Arab Kiwanis Club, and Arab Chamber of Commerce. He served on the Board of Directors of: Arab Musical Theater, Alabama Baptist Foundation, Marshall County Cattleman’s Association, Federal Intermediated Credit Bank of Jackson, MS, Leadership Alabama, and Alabama Board of Agriculture. Dan worked with Parliament in Warsaw Poland to draft farmer cooperative law following the fall of the Soviet Union. He was honored to have been inducted into: Auburn University Agriculture Hall of Honor and the Alabama 4-H Wall of Honor.
Dan enjoyed travel with family in their motorhome across the US and Canada and enjoyed time with family and attending activities of children and grandchildren. He traveled on pleasure or business to all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and over 20 foreign countries, most with his beloved wife, Mary Nell. He loved life and loved people and was especially supportive of young people. No matter where he went, Dan was always proud to call Arab his home.
Survivors include his wife of 51 years: Mary Nell Linsky Smalley; son: Rev. Jeremy (Amber) Smalley of Bayou La Batre, AL; daughter: Dana (Brian) Camp of Arab; grandsons and joy of his life: James Camp, Jerrel Smalley, and Jack Smalley; sister: Jan (Brad) Kitchens of Arab, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents: William Albert and Grace Clayton Martin and John Anderson and Buleah Martin Smalley; his parents: Jerrel and Louise Smalley.
Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Arab First Baptist Church with Dr. Paul Murphy and Rev. Jeremy Smalley officiating. Burial will be in Arab Memorial Cemetery, Gober Funeral Chapel directing. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the Arab First Baptist Church.
Pallbearers: David Smalley, Hub Daniel, Dorman Grace, Steve Tate, Butch Higgins, Randy Parker, Ryne Parker, and Keith Collins. Honorary Pallbearers: Billy King, Wayne Glenn, Doug Burdick, Roger Pearman, Jack Hamilton, Glen Walker, Mark Mays, Steve Tate, Mark Darrington, Don Villwock, Donny Parker, Ron Hunt, Ridge Watson, Bruce Smalley, Edwin Cooley, Thayne Larson, Bill Dunklin, Bill Loughmiller, Ken Peoples, Alan Kemper, Mike Killian, Mack Reed, Mickey Childers, Wes Kitchens, and Mark Darrington.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Smalley Family Scholarship Fund for youth at Arab First Baptist Church, 502 N. Main Street Arab, AL 35016.
