I lived next door to the Smiths growing up, and would always be over there playing with Steve and Kenny.  Jerry would always include me in anything they were doing.  Whether it was going to the dump in the horse trailer or just exercising the horses that he took care of.  He never told me that I would have to go home.  I remember my one and only time riding a horse on my own.  It was in a pasture that had a hill in it that was steep but tapered off to a gentle slope.  I made it down with no trouble, turned the horse around but got stuck on the hill trying to ride back up.  Jerry didn't get angry with me, he came, took the reins and led the horse up the hill.  I remember a man who in my eyes, was my second father.

I also remember when JFK was running for President.  I would see him on TV and say "There's Mr. Smith" because I thought he looked like him.  

In recent years, if I was out and about and ran into him, I would always make a point of saying hello to him.  And he knew who I was too!  Going to miss seeing him around town.  

Thank you Jerry for being such a gentle man and for the fond childhood memories.  You were very special to me.  Rest in Peace now my "second Dad."