Wednesday, March 27, 2024 11:06 am

Jerry Smith Earley, Sr, age 85 of Sandy Mush, died Monday, March 18, 2024.

Jerry was born December 17, 1939, in Rutherford County and was a son of the late David Russell Earley and Mary Alice Smith Earley.

Jerry was a 1959 graduate of Cool Springs High School, and he worked in sales for Western North Carolina Wholesale Florist until his retirement. He was a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church and served in the United States Army.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Jack Early, Jeff Earley, and Jim Early, and sister, Mary Nell Ray.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Brenda Harris Earley, his sons, Jerry Smith Earley, Jr. of Forest City and Timothy Darren Earley and wife, Jessica Comola of Asheville.

The funeral was held March 20 at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church with Rev. Stephen Matheny officiating. Military Honors were accorded by the Rutherford County Honor Guard.

An online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com

Padgett~King Mortuary and Crematory is serving the family.