Jerry Benjamin Smallwood, 70, of Ty Ty, formerly of Gainesville, was called home to be at peace by Our Lord and Savior Thursday, March 17, 2016, at Pine Pointe Hospice in Macon. A visitation will be held March 19, 2016, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals. A graveside funeral service will be held for Jerry at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, March 20, 2016, at Mount Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery in Gainesville, where he will be laid to rest. Pastor Steve Baker, nephew of Mr. Smallwood will officiate. The family will receive friends Sunday, March 20, 2016, from 3:00 p.m. until the hour of the service at Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Gainesville.
Born April 7, 1945 in Hall County, Jerry was the son of the late Benjamin Frank Smallwood and Rilla Irene Baker Smallwood. He was also preceded in death by four brothers, Willis Smallwood, Robbie Baker, Albert Baker and Paul Baker; and three sisters, Martha Nell Hollis, Ina Smallwood and Mary Frances Sullens. Jerry was known as a man of his word, whatever he told you, you could bank on it. He loved good ole Southern cooking, going fishing, riding the lawn mower and just sitting around with a group of friends to laugh and talk. Jerry was a hard worker who enjoyed life and family.
Mr. Smallwood is survived by one daughter, Melissa Smallwood Cyree of Sylvester; two granddaughters, Melissa Kathleen (Wayne) Walker and Amanda Cheyenne (Ron) Cyree, both of Sylvester; three great-grandsons, Mitchell Bromlow, Samuel Bromlow and Wyatt Walker, all of Sylvester; and numerous nieces and nephews around Hall County. He is also survived by his adopted family, Johnny Dale Chambless and his children, Wes, Brent and Doranda, Laferrell and MaryAlice Salter (known to Jerry as Pappy and Ma), all of Ty Ty. Jerry was known to his adopted family as Pa. There are numerous other adopted family members and friends that loved him dearly.