Jerry Smiley, 67

| June 30, 2010 4:19 AM

Jerry Smiley, 67, of Athol, and Vacaville, Calif., passed away Saturday, June 26, 2010. Smiley was born in Waco, Texas, on July 7, 1942, to Paul and Lula Smiley.

After graduation from Vallejo High he entered the Air Force, and served two tours in Vietnam. During this time he was awarded time 3 Air medals for bravery.

Smiley settled in Vacaville, with his wife Loretta Ross and their four children in 1973. Smiley owned service stations in both Vacaville and Vallejo. Smiley sold insurance for many years.

In 2003, Smiley moved to Athol where he took great pride in caring for his wife of 43 years and helping to raise his two youngest grandchildren. Smiley was a beloved member of First Lutheran in Spirit Lake, where his wood working talents will forever live on.

Smiley was an honest, kind-hearted and loving man who had a love for traveling, wood-working and knowledge. But above all, his love for his family, his country and God were by far his greatest accomplishments. Smiley battled Multiple Myeloma, for a short time, but still managed to crack jokes and bring a smile to others. Those who knew Smiley know that he had a joke or a story for everyone he ever met. His smile will not soon be forgotten.

Smiley is survived by his wife, Loretta; daughter Linda Smiley-Rundgren, grandchildren Clayton and Blayre Rundgren of Athol; daughter Jackie Smiley, grandchildren Shane and Paige Hall of Vacaville, RobertAnn Smiley of Coeur d’Alene; son Leo Smiley, wife Leslie, grandson Ross of Reno; son Jess Taylor, wife Joyce of San Lorenzo and their children Joshua, April, Christina, Richard, Holly and Matthew.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in Smiley’s memory to either First Lutheran Church of Spirit Lake or to the Cancer Society.

Viewing will be held from 5-7 p.m. Monday, July 5, 2010, at Yates Funeral Home, Hayden Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 6, 2010, at First Lutheran Church in Spirit Lake. Graveside Committal at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens.

Please visit Smiley’s memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.