Jerry attended Central High School and graduated in the class of 1968. He later went on to further his education in computer programming and culinary arts. He then went on to serve in the US Navy for 30 years as a culinary specialist and Seabee with highlights in his career that included 2 tours of duty in Vietnam, Desert Shield and Desert Storm. His career is also highlighted by serving on numerous ships, crossing the international date line dozens of times, and serving as an Admiral’ s personal chef to prepare meals for kings, queens, high level dignitaries, politicians and command personnel.

Jerry married Paula I. Smith on August 31, 1978, and had two children. Jerry had a passion for reading, particularly Western novels, military-based books and Harry Potter. He will always be remembered for his love of his family and loved to cook for them.

An open visitation was held on April 24 at Johnson’s Funeral Home. Funeral services were held April 25 at Lawnhaven Memorial Garden at 10 a.m. in San Angelo, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a memorial donation toward a monument for his gravesite in honor of his memory. Checks can be mailed to the family or Venmo @michingae.

The family would like to thank the San Angelo Firefi ghter Association for use of the Union Hall for the reception after the graveside service.

Honorary pallbearers for the service will be Ben Heinze, Doc McAlister, Dillon McAlister, Davis McAlister IV and Keaton Vawter.

He is preceded in death by his mother Mary Smith, his father Joe Smith, 6 brothers and 1 sister.

He is survived by his wife Paula I. Smith of Aubrey, Texas, brother Henry Smith, daughter Teresa McAlister and husband Doc McAlister, and son Ben Heinze and his wife Dawn Heinze. His grandchildren are Brad McAlister and wife Brittany, Dillon McAlister and wife Kali, Davis McAlister IV and wife Mayu, Dana McAlister and fiancée Keaton Vawter, Emma Heinze, and Brooke McAlister. His great grandchildren are Ellamaye McAlister, Doyle McAlister, Lena-Jade McAlister, Weston McAlister and Rene Ishikawa. He was loved by many nieces, nephews, close friends, cousins, and brothers in arms.