Jimmy Dean Smith, 92, of Decatur, Alabama, passed away at Riverside Assisted Living surrounded by family on Sunday, December 21, 2025.
Mr. Smith was born May 30, 1933, in rural Marshall County, Tennessee to the late Johnny “Frank” and Effie Johnson Smith.
Mr. Smith was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Gainard during the Korean Conflict. After his service, he used the GI Bill and attended Tennessee Valley State Technical School (currently known as Calhoun Community College) for watch repair. This began his lifelong commitment to his career in the jewelry business.
After finishing his military service, he met and married the late Barbara Jane Bonner. Jimmy and Barbara moved to Decatur, Alabama, where they started a family, and Jimmy began working at Ingall’s Shipyard and then Diamond Jewelers as a watchmaker. Jimmy discovered he was a “people person” and began moving into management and eventually opened his own business. Jimmy Smith Jewelers was founded by Mr. Smith in 1973, where he built up a community recognized retail jewelry business which still serves customers all over North Alabama today.
Jimmy truly loved people and served on the boards of many different organizations, including Decatur Daybreak Rotary Club, Decatur Chamber of Commerce, Alabama Jewelers Association (AJA), and Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO) to name a few. Jimmy loved Decatur, AL and always challenged people to support local business and their community.
Survivors include children: Sheron “Lynn” (Daniel) Masters of West Monroe, LA, Jimmy Ray (Wendy) Smith, Rebecca “Karen” Watts, and Robert “Robby” Dean Smith of Decatur, AL, eleven grandchildren: Melissa Masters, Bethany (Austin) Lucari, Caleb (Lauren) Masters, Abigail Masters, Nathaniel Masters, Jimmy “Tyler” (Michelle) Smith, Anna (Nic) Walton, Christian (Kathryn) Smith, “Brent” (David) Watts, Jonathan (Nikki) Watts, Alexandra Smith, and eleven great-grandchildren, and sister: Janice (Doug) Doggett of Cullman, AL, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Sisters-in-laws; Ruth Nix, Rebecca Sharp, Charlie Bonner, Willie Mae Bonner, and Annette Bonner.
In addition to his parents and wife, preceding him in death are infant son: John “Keith” Smith, a brother: Morris Smith, a sister: Edwina Thompson, Harold Smith, and Herman “Peewee” Smith.
He showed up at Calhoun Community College (Trade School) and asked to see the president. They asked if he had an appointment, and he told them he didn’t need one. He did speak to the president. He was told there was 1 spot each in 2 different trades – watch repair and refrigeration. And so began his lifelong commitment to his career in the jewelry business. He was a founder of First American Bank, now PNC and was selected as the Alabama retailer of the Year.
Other awards and achievements in his life were: Lewisburg post-Navy, Watch repair, Vogue Jewelers, Rose Jewelry, Jaycee’s, Lion’s Club, Kiwana’s, and many Awards & Recognitions.
Services will be held Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Decatur Methodist Church with Rev. Kenny Baskins officiating and burial in the Roselawn Cemetery with Military Honors and Peck Funeral Home directing. No Visitation is planned, however a Celebration of Life Service will begin at 2:00 pm on Saturday at the Burningtree Country Club.
Jimmy Tyler Smith, Dr. Christian Ray Smith, Charles Brent Watts, Jonathan Bonner Watts, Caleb Daniel Masters, and Nathaniel David Masters will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of The Valley or to the Daybreak Rotary Club in Decatur.
Peck Funeral Home
