Jerry Smith Earley, Sr., age 85 of Sandy Mush, died Monday, March 18, 2024, at Hospice House in Forest City.  Jerry was born on 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 of the home, his sons, Jerry Smith Earley, Jr. of Forest City and Timothy Darren Earley and wife, Jessica Comola of Asheville. 

The funeral service will be held at 2 o’clock on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church with the Reverend Stephen Matheny officiating.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Military Honors accorded by the Rutherford County Honor Guard.  The family will receive friends at the church from 1 until 2 o’clock prior to the service.

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com