Jerry Smitherman

Jerry O. Smitherman, 77, of Charlotte, passed away Wednesday, January 1, 2020 at home with family by his side.

Jerry was born December 4, 1942 in Bessemer, Alabama, to the late Jessie and Louise Smitherman.  He was also preceded in death by his brother, Allen Smitherman, and sisters, Gwen Smitherman and Magdalene Smitherman.

Jerry was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps.  He was stationed in Hawaii, Japan, and Camp Lejeune, NC.  He volunteered at a Japanese orphanage and loved helping the children.  Later, Jerry worked at Carolina Coatings and retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 2007.  His interests included the Letter Carriers Annual Food Drive, Toys for Tots, Operation Phone Home, and the School Tools Program.  He was awarded "Volunteer of the Year" while employed with USPS.  Since retirement, Jerry was involved with the Marine Corps League and the USO, and awarded the President's Volunteer Service Award signed by President George W. Bush.  His latest passion was Heart Bridge of the Carolinas, serving the Native Americans on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.  Jerry was a member of Grace Crossing Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon.  He was a loving husband, father, brother and Pop Pop.  Jerry will be forever loved and dearly missed.

The family will receive friends from 12:30 pm - 1:45 pm, Monday, January 6, 2020 at Grace Crossing Baptist Church,  5600 Rocky River Rd, Charlotte.  The funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm,  officiated by Rev. Jason Blanton and Rev. Dr. F. Timothy Moore.  Burial with military honors will follow at Charlotte Memorial Gardens, 7632 Hood Rd, Charlotte.

Survivors include wife of 52 years, Edith H. Smitherman; sons, David (Amy) Smitherman of Penhook, VA, and Mark Smitherman of Charlotte; grandchildren, Connor and Peyton Smitherman; sisters, Linda O'Neal of Hanceville, AL, and Jean (Steve) Bradford of Harpersville, AL.

The family wishes to express gratitude and appreciation to the Levine Cancer Institute, Dr. Michael Grunwald, and his staff, and Hospice of the Charlotte Region for their excellent care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jerry's memory to Heart Bridge of the Carolinas, 13001 Marlstone Ln, Charlotte NC 28215; heartbridgeofthecarolinas.org.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg is serving the Smitherman family.