Jackson Rotary Club honors member as a Paul Harris Fellow
JACKSON, Tenn. — A long-time business man and member of the Hub City was recognized for many years of service to the community.
The Jackson Rotary Club held their weekly meeting at the First United Methodist Church on Wednesday.
This time they held a special surprise recognition for a long-time member of the club.
Jerry Smith, who has directed the George A. Smith and Sons Funeral Home for nearly 70 years, has been a member of the club since 1987, exactly 36 years ago.
Not only was it Smith’s rotary birthday, but it was also his 89th birthday.
“I came to the rotary just like I always do, not having any idea what the program was. In fact, I asked several people and they said, ‘Well, it’s going to be a good, fine program. I don’t know what it’s gonna be,’” Smith said.
The Rotary Club honored him with the highest form of recognition a Rotary Club can bestow. It is presented to a Rotarian who has made an outstanding contribution to the community.
“And I was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow today, which is an honor to be a member because Paul Harris is the one that started the rotary in the beginning of the century. So it is really an honor to become a Paul Harris Fellow,” Smith said.
Not only that, but to honor him, Mayor Scott Conger declared November 1 to be Jerry Smith Day in Jackson.
“And it’s just been a wonderful thing, a proclamation from the mayor, all of my friends had something to say. And the things that people said about me, it’s unbelievable, and I appreciate it and I love them for it,” Smith said.
Smith says he is grateful for all the support received throughout the years and plans to continue serving the community for many more years to come.
“My father started our business, of which I’m still very active, in 1930. That’s my life, is helping people in the worst time in their life. I’m just so happy to be here today because ‘This is your life Jerry Smith.’ I didn’t think it was going to happen but it was wonderful,” Smith said.
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