August 15, 2018
Coach Jerry “Red” Foster age 59 of Smithville passed away Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at his residence. He was born October 2, 1958 to his parents, the late, Elbert Les and Frances Lorene Kelly Foster. He served as freshman boys’ coach from 1983-89 compiling a 92-22 record. He then moved to Jackson County High School as head boys’ coach from 1989-93 compiling a 101-87 record in four seasons, before returning once again to DCHS to direct the Lady Tiger basketball program, a position he held for seven years, from 1993-2000 with his teams recording a 93-85 record. After leaving the coaching ranks, he continued to teach physical education at Northside Elementary School and continued to teach the game of basketball to youth of DeKalb County through the after school program, he also taught several years at DeKalb West School. He was a member of the Buckner’s Chapel United Methodist Church. He leaves to cherish his memory, 2 children, Jalon Wayne Foster (Kelsey Roberts) of Sparta and Loren (Will) Martin of Huntsville, AL; 1 sister, Brenda Kay Driver of Smithville; 1 brother, Prentice (Jan) Foster of Sparta; 1 nephew, Chad (Tara) Driver of Smithville; 2 great-nieces, Caroline and Lillie Cate Driver and a host of fellow teachers, friends and children with whom he made a lifetime impact on their lives. Funeral services celebrating Coach Foster’s life will be held 2:00 PM Friday, August 17, 2018 at the DeKalb County High School Gymnasium with Bros. Phil Tollett and Bryan Simmons officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at DeKalb Funeral Chapel and Friday 12:30PM until the time of the service at 2 p.m. at DeKalb County High School. Burial will be in the Peeled Chestnut Cemetery in White County. In addition to flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Coach Jerry Foster Memorial Fund that has been established in his memory for a scholarship to be given to a graduating DCHS student, those donations can be made at the funeral home. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.