Jefferson Smith, beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to countless others, passed away on October 27, 2026, at the age of 76, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Ocala, Florida.

Born on February 4, 1950, in Huddy, Kentucky, to the late Willie T. Smith and the late Thelma Blackburn, he grew up in Pike County, Kentucky, and had eight brothers and four sisters. He worked as a coal miner, construction worker, and auto mechanic and was an all-around jack-of-all-trades.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Sandra; his children, Ronessa Lynn Smith, Tamie Elaine Smith, Jefferson Smith Jr. (Leah C. Smith), and James William Smith; twelve loving grandchildren, Briana, Alexis, Jeffery, Kimberley, Michael, Danielle, Jada, Aleksandra, James Derrick, Kassandra, and Angela; and multiple great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepparents, three brothers, two sisters, and one grandchild, Ryan.

Jeff loved spending time with his family, fishing, playing games, gardening, and traveling out west.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at 2026 Pebble Beach Road, Ocala, FL 34472.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Shriners Children's Hospital or St. Jude Children's Hospital.