Jeril Ray Smith

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Jeril Ray Smith, age 78, of Pinckneyville, Ill., passed away on Friday, July 1, 2011 at 7:30 a.m. in his home.

Jeril was born on April 18, 1933 in Pinckneyville, Ill., a son to Harlan Ray and Lillie M. (Walker) Smith. On Feb. 27, 1954, he married Elizabeth "Betty" Bruns in St. Bruno Catholic Church, Pinckneyville, Ill. and she survives. Jeril was a veteran of the United States Army and worked for Martin Oil as a District Manager for 33 years. He was a member of St. Bruno Catholic Church, Pinckneyville, Ill., Presswood-Daffron American Legion Post 2504 and a Moose Lodge member, earning the degree of Pilgrim which is the highest degree in the Loyal Order of the Moose. He also served as Moose Lodge Administrator for 10 years. Jeril enjoyed Cardinal's baseball, yard work, mowing, gardening, NASCAR, dogs and dearly loved the time he spent with his family.

Jeril is survived by his wife, Betty Smith of Pinckneyville, Ill.; two sons, Mark (Dawn) Smith and Rod Smith all of Pinckneyville, Ill.; three daughters, Debbie Smith of Pinckneyville, Ill., Judy (Ray) Emling of Du Quoin, Ill. and Julie (Jeremy) Kelley of Jerseyville, Ill.; aunt, Wilma Walker of Du Quoin, Ill.; brother-in-law, Harold Evans of Belleville, Ill.; 10 grandchildren, Erica, Jasmine, Nicole, Mitchell, Jolene, Kyle, Tyler, Jessica Taylor "J.T.", Jordan and Peyton; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Cheryl Smith; one son, Jon Smith and one sister, Norma Evans.

Funeral services were held at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, Ill. on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. with Father Nick Junker officiating. Interment was in St. Bruno Catholic Cemetery. Graveside military rites were provided by Presswood-Daffron American Legion Post 2504.

Friends called at Pyatt Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 5, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.

Memorials may be made to V.N.A. TIP Hospice or Masses.

For more information or to sign an online guest register, please visit www.pyattfuneralhome.com.