Jeffery L. Smith

Jeffery L. Smith, age 65, passed away unexpectedly on December 12, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Although he had been ill, he was expected to recover. Jeff passed away due to medical complications.

Jeff was born June 18, 1956 in Salt Lake City, Utah to the parents of Wayne and Odessa Smith. He was the fifth of six children. His siblings are Dennis, Linda, Sharon, Susan, and Teri. Jeff grew up in Utah and Oregon. After graduating from Brighton High School, he attended Portland State University in Portland, Oregon. 

Jeff’s career began in construction and drywall which took him to San Diego, California and Austin, Texas. After being in Austin for over three decades, he relocated back to Utah and started a career in travel and tourism. This career gave him the opportunity to travel extensively, including multiple visits to China. He was hardworking but loved every minute of it—work truly brought him joy. 

His career in tourism brought him closer to nature. He loved being outdoors in the woods and places that he would refer to as “God’s Country.” He loved national parks, fishing, deep sea fishing, and documenting the beauty of his surroundings. Sharing his passion for nature with his loved ones, either through his photography or taking them to his favorite spots, filled his heart. When he wasn’t working you could find him taking a drive through the scenic mountains, playing golf, or watching football. 

Anyone that knew him instantly loved him. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and sense of humor. He put others before himself, especially those in need. The beneficiaries of his service were widespread. If he wasn’t helping others, he was plotting a prank or had some trick up his sleeve--from pranking his four sisters as a child to pranking his four children as an adult. He never grew out of his mischief.

Above all, family was his greatest happiness. The abundant love for his family didn’t end with his immediate family, yet reached to his extended family, and even to friends that he called family. He never missed a family reunion or a sending a holiday card to his children. He was excited to plan seasonal adventures with his kids, which always included a detailed itinerary. To him, family was everything.

Jeff is survived by his children: Jefra Rees (Ryan), Ryan Smith, Dakota Smith (Jesslyn), and Shae Leal (David); his grandson Cannon Rees and his sisters Linda Stratton (Mike) and Teri Thomas (Kelly); as well as dozens of nieces, nephews, and cousins, who all adored him. He is preceded in death by his parents Wayne and Odessa Smith, his brother Dennis Smith, and two sisters Sharon Beasley and Susan Garrett.

The viewing for Jeff will be Friday, December 17 at 10:00 am, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am. The address for the service is:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

2976 W Winchester Drive

West Valley City, Utah 84119

Burial will take place in Leander, TX. Date TBD

For those not able to attend in-person, the service will be broadcast via Zoom.

Topic: Jeff Smith Memorial Service

Time: Dec 17, 2021 11:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)

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