CHERRYFIELD – Wallace “Jerry” J. Smith, 72, died June 23, 2006, at an Ellsworth hospital after a short, but intense struggle with cancer. He was born Dec. 13, 1933, in Vancouver, Wash., the son of Carl and Fourel (Spratt) Smith. He spent his early life in Oregon and California. Jerry served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He moved to Maine in 1976, where he built and operated his business, Smith Small Engine Repair for more than 25 years. As he carved many friendships from among strangers, he carved a homestead from the Maine woods and built with his own strong hands the home of his dreams. His pride and joy were the trees, gardens and orchards he planted and maintained. His life was a long and wonderful adventure always filled with new projects and challenges, including hobbies such as rock hounding, jewelry making, collecting old time movies and traveling around Maine and the United States. He is survived by his companion and wife of 36 years, Karen Mabus; his sisters, June McClure and Sandra Wellington of Oregon; daughter, Gale Thrasher and husband, Don and Marta Hollo and husband, Wayne; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all in Washington state; nieces and nephews in Oregon and Washington state; brothers-in-law, Wayne Mabus and wife, Judy, of Sullivan and Joel Mabus and wife, Jan, of Michigan; and special friends, Becky and Jay Krueger of Illinois. He will be fondly remembered by numerous friends in Downeast Maine and around the country for his happy smile and laughing eyes. He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Carl W. Smith; and several half brothers and half sisters. Services will be private. Arrangements by Acadia Burial & Cremation Direct, 248 State St., Ellsworth.
WALLACE ‘JERRY’ J. SMITH
