Jerry Ross Smart

Jerry Ross Smart
10-26-1936 to 6-17-2026

Jerry Ross Smart, born October 26, 1936 in Kilgore, Texas, was the only son of Pauline Goode and Claud Ross Smart, both deceased. Jerry passed away peacefully at the Advent Health Hospice House, Altamonte Springs, on June 17, surrounded by his family.

Jerry built his life with a strong work ethic and a determined spirit. He attended Ft. Lauderdale High, where he was active in swimming and football, and carved what he referred to as his “Bronze God Body”, featured above. He joined the U.S. Navy out of High School and served his country as a “Seabee” (Construction Battalian) in the Pacific until 1957. He later attended Stetson University, pledging the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. He married his one true love, Barbara Rae Avis (deceased) on January 30, 1960 and moved to Orlando. He worked for several home builders, earned his real estate license, and later opened and managed his own real estate sales office, as broker, for several years.

Jerry was a devoted, loving father, and faithful, caring husband. With his wife Barbara, they raised five “only” daughters; Linda Lani (Kevin Kress) of Orlando, Bonnie Susanne (Scott Salem) of Spencer, TN, Jeri Carolyn (Michael Mooney) of Cape Cod, MA, Kristie Marie (Donnie Viehman, deceased) of Orlando, and Sandra Leigh (Larry Payne) of Orlando. Jerry is also blessed with nine grandchildren; Andrew (Stephanie), Justin, Jonathan, Ashley, Katherine (Billy), Matthew, Michelle, Kyle (Amanda), and Monique, and seven great-grandchildren; Penelope Rae (Penny), Jack Brooklyn (“J B”), Gavin, Leah, Roselynne (“Rosie”), Triston and Noah.

The drummer in a 50s garage band, Jerry, fondly known as the “Music Man”, will be forever remembered for his love of music. Music was a constant in the Smart home, with the family turntable spinning Jazz and Rock tunes all through the day. When asked to lower the volume during the daughters’ school “study hours”, Dad would reply: “If its too loud, you’re too old.” Even as his memory faded in his later years, Jerry’s deep knowledge and keen recall for music trivia that bridged multiple genres remained sharp.

A hardworker throughout his life, Jerry also encouraged his daughters to pursue academic acheivements and to enrich their lives in dance, music, Scouts, and sports. As an active contributor in the PTA, music coach, “fashion critic”, and tribal chief in the Indian Princess father-daughter group, “Big Chief Fat Thunder”, as he was humourously regarded, devotedly participated in his daughters’ lives.

In the sunset of his life, Jerry was the benficiary of the gentle, compassionate care of the dedicated staff and volunteers at Alwyn C Cashe State Veterans’ Nursing Home at Baldwin Park. The family wishes to honor those who selflessly care for those who served; therefore, they request that donations be made, in lieu of flowers, to the Alwyn C Cashe State Veterans’ Nursing Home, on 5255 Raymond St., Orlando, FL 32814, phone 407-741-4613.

Gravesite services will be held July 18, 2026, 10 am ET, at Glen Haven Memorial, 2300 Temple Dr., Winter Park, FL.

As sung by Nat King Cole in an iconic melody, Jerry, a beloved Father, Grandfather and Friend, is and will remain “Unforgettable”.

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