Jeffrey (Jeff) M. Smith Obituary (1969 - 2019)

Born Jun 30, 1969, Jeffrey (Jeff) M. Smith attended William Byrd High School in Vinton, VA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Jeffrey (jeff) M. Smith.

Graduation Year	Class of 1987
Date of Birth	Jun 30, 1969
Date of Passing	Aug 31, 2019
About	Jeffrey “Jeff” M. Smith, 50, of Roanoke, was called home on Saturday, August 31, 2019, after an 11 month battle with cancer. He was born June 30, 1969, in Roanoke and attended William Byrd High School. He was a Gulf War veteran, having served in the US Navy from 1987 to 1993, stationed in San Diego, CA, and aboard the USS Fox. He returned home after his service and began work for the Roanoke County Utility Department. For the past 20 years, he was a tire builder at Yokohama Tire Corporation in Salem, VA. He retired from there at the time of his diagnosis. Jeff was a proud member of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church for the past 16 years where he served faithfully in many capacities. His favorite role was that of driver/chaperone for youth group trips and, especially, DNOW “enforcer.” He also previously served with the Mount Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department, something he dearly loved. Jeff was always quick to heed his call to serve others and was gifted by the spirit with an enormous heart and gentle way. He never met a stranger and spoke to everyone as if they were old friends. He was fierce in his defense of those around him and glad to lend his strength to anyone in need. Jeff is preceded in death by his parents, David B. Smith and Brenda C. Smith; his brother, Walter “Wally” Smallwood; his grandparents, Walter and Oneida Campbell; his grandfather, Euber “Joe” Smith; his honorary grandparents, Wilmer and Pearline Smallwood and his grandfather-in-law, Edison Likens. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 22 years, Meredith Likens Smith; his sons Brent, Ethan and Jarrett; his parents-in-law, Roger and Vickie Likens; his sister, Missy Smith and her wife, Theresa; his brother, Chris Smallwood and his wife, Tracy; his brother-in-law, Justin and his wife, Diana; his grandmother, Lena Smith; his grandmother-in-law, Virginia Likens; and Janice McLaughlin. Jeff also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, special friends and extended family he dearly loved. His work and church families meant the world to him and he was proud to “do life” together with you. He is deeply mourned by his faithful companion, his dog, Valentine. The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at the Blue Ridge Cancer Center and the Medical Surgical ICU of Roanoke Memorial Hospital. His fight was made stronger by your care, love, support and prayers. You will forever hold a special place in our hearts. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 7, 2019, at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. Friends and family will be received from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. His life will be celebrated beginning at 1:00 pm in a service officiated by Dr. Eric Spano and Rev. Justin Likens. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the college funds established for his children by purchasing an on-line gift card at https://www.virginia529.com/give-a-gift/ or by check via mail to INVEST529 at P.O. Box 759226, Baltimore, MD, 21275-9226. For either option, use gift ID “70VQK77” to donate to Ethan’s portfolio and/or gift ID “AL0PFQL” to donate to Jarrett’s portfolio. Providing for his children’s future was his greatest desire.