Ruben Jerry Smith of McKinney, Texas formerly of Princeton, Texas passed away on August 3, 2016 at the age of 87. He was born on December 19, 1928 to Ruben Emery and Viola Mae (Redden) Smith in McKinney. Jerry married Bettye Jo Schultz on June 9, 1950 in Rowlett, Texas. He worked for Kraft Foods for 40 years, retiring in December 1989. Jerry was a member of Community North Baptist Church, previously many years at King Memorial Baptist Church.
“Dad” lived a long, full life and had no regrets or complaints about life issues he faced during his 87 years on this earth. He never allowed his handicap from polio to keep him from doing anything. He loved his wife, Bettye, very much and cherished his children. He was devoted to insuring that his family was always cared for and not in need even though the family lived through many “lean” years. Dad loved fishing very much and he often convinced Mom to go on many fishing day trips as long as they took along a picnic lunch. Dad was a devoted employee at Kraft Foods and then carried out work many days on our family farm after hours. His work ethic was exemplary and will inspire his family to carry on that character trait. Vacations with his family provide many cherished memories to those of us left behind. But most of all, he loved God and his Lord Jesus Christ through which Dad has achieved victory over sin and death. His Christian faith and example has touched many people especially all of his family. He never wavered in his trust in the Lord.
Jerry is survived by his sons, Jerry W. Smith and wife April of McKinney, Darryl Smith and wife Amy of McKinney; daughter, Sharon Loftice and husband Alfred of Van Alstyne; ten grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous other loving family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Bettye Jo “Babe” Smith; his father, Ruben Emery Smith; his mother, Viola Mae “Ode” Cornuaud; and step-father, Victor A. Cornuaud.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon, Saturday, August 6, 2016 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home chapel in Allen, Texas. Interment will follow at Ridgeview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends during a visitation on Friday evening, August 5, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.