Hall of Fame
Jerry "Sally" Smith was the starting center for coach A.B. Howard’s basketball Bobcats in 1960-61 and 1961-62.
He was an All-State performer and was named to numerous All-Tournament teams. The Bobcats made it to the finals of the state tournament and lost to Itawamba in 1961, but Smith had broken his ankle in the semifinals the night before and did not get to play in the title game.
Prior to Jones, he was a standout athlete at Ellisville High School, where he was an All-Rebel Conference performer for four years in basketball and also ran track. He was also elected Homecoming King during his senior year at Ellisville HS.
He received a basketball scholarship to Delta State University, where he served as the starting center for two years. He helped DSU to a 19-4 record in his junior season. He was named the team’s Best Rebounder and Best Free Throw Shooter in his junior and senior seasons.
Smith played semi-pro basketball from 1966-78. His teams won 90 percent of the tournaments they entered, including a 40-1 record one year.
He coached basketball for ten years at State Line Attendance Center before going into administration. His teams won the Singing River Conference five years, the district tournament for four years and he was named Coach of the Year four times.
Smith spent 40 years in the educational field in Greene County, including serving as Superintendent of Education for three terms.
Smith is a lifetime member of the JCJC Alumni Association.
Sally and his wife, Althea, have two children: Jerry K. “Kenny” Smith Jr. and his wife, Cathie; and Dewanda Smith Kropp and her husband, J.J. They have three grandchildren: Daniel Smith and his wife, Wendi; Weston Kropp and Colton Kropp. They have three great grandchildren: Keeton Smith, Andrew Smith and Landon Smith.
