Jerry Smith, known as the Southern Storyteller, posted the following on his Facebook in 2018, “Stories are the most important element to any speech or presentation. A speaker who rarely uses stories is a speaker who is rarely successful at connecting with their audience.” Perhaps it came to no surprise that besides being a storyteller, he was active with Toastmasters, an organization that promoted speaking.
He stretched out to many organizations and helped either on the Board or as a proud member to share his humor and wisdom such as the Florida Storytelling Association (FSA), Storytellers of Central Ohio (SOCO), Omaha Organization for the Purpose of Storytelling (OOPS), and National Storytelling Network.
Jerry taught History to 7th and 8th grade students. He guided people as a pastor. He was always more than “teacher” or “religious leader.” His daughter, Melissa Smith Hadaway, remembered that Jerry told stories her whole life. With an ode from the Florida Storytelling Association, she stated, “He had a way with words like no one else I have ever met. He was an artist, cartoonist, speaker, writer. He never met a stranger. He always went out of his way to listen to everyone he came in contact with. He made sure to make everyone feel that they were the #1 priority.”
We found a video that features Jerry Smith where his daughter as well as his wife were featured in “Potatoes.” He calls it an “original tale” yet rings true of his sense of humor that his family and friends always knew from him.
When we tell stories, our audiences–including our families, the most important audience–will carry those memories forward forever. May we all remember this because of knowing a little bit more about Jerry Smith.
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You can see more details on Jerry Smith with the Story Artists Memorial.
Do you know a Story Artist who has passed on and want others to remember them? Memories? Pictures? You can submit names and memories of Story Artists who have passed on through our online form.
I appreciate Jerry Smith for sharing the fun language of the South and being willing to laugh when things could be hard. He also served no matter where he lived.
Jerry Smith still has a story. You have a story. We all have stories.