Rev. Jerry Irvan Smith Obituary (1937 - 2019)

Jerry Irvan Smith was born to Walter Alton Smith and Esther Mariana (Measday) Smith in Houston, Texas, on January 15, 1937. He was the eighth of nine children. After serving his generation as a pastor for almost 50 years, he was called home by his Savior on July 8, 2019, at the age of 82. Jerry is preceded in death by: His Parents: Walter Alton and Esther Mariana Measday Smith; Five Siblings: Mildred (Tillie) Bernice Smith Wier, Lawrence Alton Smith, Doris Elaine Smith Piwetz, Walter Alvin Smith, and Bryan Wilbur Smith. Jerry is survived by: His Beloved Wife: Joanne (Joni) Virginia Francis Smith of Clear Lake, Texas; One Son: Jerry Daniel Kirk Smith of Santa Fe, Texas; Three Daughters: Julie Suzanne Beanland and husband, Christopher Mark, of Santa Fe, Texas; Letitia Dawn Cobbs and husband, Brian Todd, of League City, Texas; and Sharon Esther Bloomfield and husband, Tony DeWayne of Santa Fe, Texas; Ten Grandchildren: Kirk Daniel Smith; Katherine Hope Smith; Christopher Keith Beanland; Kyle Scott Beanland and wife, Savanna Chel; Kristen Victoria Cobbs Plew and husband, Thomas Geraden; Courtney Brianne Cobbs; Kevin Michael Cobbs; Colton Noah Cobbs; Hunter DeWayne Bloomfield; and Cameron Jade Bloomfield; Three Sisters: Cora Jean (Webb) Starns of Katy, Texas; Kathleen Lois Castleberry and husband, Robert of Longview, Texas; and Audrey Esther Eckelman of Lake Livingston, Texas; Too many nieces and nephews to list here and many lifelong friends as well as new friends. Jerry married Joanne (Joni) in May, 2011, and is survived by Four of Her Children: Christopher Francis and wife, Kim, of Wichita, Kansas; Kelly Francis, Connie Francis, and Kevin Francis, each of Clear Lake, Texas; Five of Her Grandchildren: Kacy Francis, Jace Francis, Cole Francis, Hailee Bui, Grace Francis, and their mother, Jennifer Bui. Biography: Jerry learned a lot about his dad's (Walter Smith) paving business as he grew up and enjoyed driving trucks, tractors, dozers, draglines, and everything that rolled or crawled. After spending two years in the U.S. Army serving in Korea, he experienced God's call to the ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He graduated from East Texas Baptist University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary obtaining two master's degrees and his Doctor of Theology degree. He pastored six churches: Lone Oak Baptist of Jefferson, Texas; Cartwright Baptist of Winnsboro, Texas; First Baptist of Castle Hills, Azle, Texas; First Baptist of Alta Loma, Texas; Woodland Trails Baptist of Houston, Texas; and Farrington Baptist of Houston, Texas. He created a thriving mission center at Farrington that is flourishing today. Jerry wrote and sang songs at each of his children's weddings. He created a Bible table game called "Conversion." He wrote numerous books, booklets, articles, and study aids, distributing more than a quarter million pieces of biblical literature. His greatest love was the Word of God which absorbed most of his time and granted him the fulfillment of knowing the Lord, Who he is with now, much better. He is thrilled to know that all his family are born again believers and that we will all be gathered together again at the rapture of the Church to be with and serve the Lord Jesus Christ forever. A Memorial Service will be held for Dr. Jerry I. Smith on Saturday, July 13, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at Arcadia First Baptist Church located at 14828 Highway 6 in Santa Fe, Texas.