Jerry Smith

Jerry (Papa J) Smith, 88, of Kennesaw, Georgia, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, surrounded by his daughters.

Jerry was born on July 14, 1937, in Atlanta, Georgia, to the late J.W. and Dora Smith. He graduated from Roswell High School, where he was an Atlanta Journal Constitution All Star pitcher and was later recruited by the Atlanta Crackers minor league baseball team. He also played high school basketball and was on the track team. His lifelong career in the grocery business began at Kroger and eventually led him to become an independent owner and operator of neighborhood grocery stores. Jerry was known for his kindness, humbleness, quiet wit, and unwavering devotion to his family.

As a boy, Jerry loved spending time in the woods along the banks of Big Creek which ran behind his family home in Roswell. Later in life, he enjoyed spending time outdoors, taking care of his bird Chipper, and cheering on the Braves. Above all, he treasured time with his children and grandchildren.

During the last four months of his life at Presbyterian Village Austell, Papa J formed special bonds with the staff who cared for him. They knew him as a gentleman with a kind spirit and a knack for charming the nurses with his smile and friendly demeanor.

Jerry is survived by his loving companion of 30 years, Jean Looper; his children, Niki Faith (Mark) and Lana Ebert (Chris); his grandchildren, Brandon, Anna Grace (Cameron), and Madison; his sister, Carole Thacker (Lanier), and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Hayward, Richard and Byron.

A visitation will be held at NorthStar Church in Kennesaw, GA on Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 3:00p.m. to 4:15p.m. followed immediately by a celebration of life at 4:30p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Presbyterian Village Homes of Georgia Caring Hand fund (https://www.phgainc.org/caring-hands-fund/honorariums-and-memorials/).