Jesse W. Smith Jr. was born in Bakersfield on the 26th day of August, 1941, to Gladys (Zeller) Smith and Jesse W. Smith Sr., and saddled up and rode off for his last gathering in Jackson Hole, Wyo., on the 26th day of October, 2021, Sandy Smith, his wife of 39 years, holding his hand, two months to the day from his 80th birthday.
On Aug. 21, 2021, Dad (Jesse) was able to celebrate his 80th birthday with family and friends from near and far. It was definitely a party. He took pictures with lifelong friends, family, grandkids and great-grandkids. He was the center of attention. He loved every minute of it.
He was raised by his two uncles, Bun and Ernest Zeller, in a two-room cabin in Glennville. Those men had a huge impact on his life, along with other folks from the Glennville community, whom he loved.
He set the bar high for his children. He was your friend. He was your friend for life. He held onto a handshake, is as good as a man’s word. He stood up for what’s right and what’s wrong. He loved his family so much and we felt it.
Jesse W. Smith, a proud veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division, renowned cowboy poet, cowboy, author, rodeo announcer, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.
He will be missed. He will never be forgotten.
There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, Nov. 20, at 1 p.m. at the Museum of the Mountain Man. Friends are invited to join for food and beverage after.
