Jeffery Smith

There is nothing more heartbreaking than getting a phone call from your Mother saying your brother, Jeffrey Smith, age 70, of Commerce Texas has unexpecpectly passed away on the morning of May 13, 2024. Luckily, I had said goodbye to my brother and gave him a kiss on the cheek not knowing that would be the last time,

Jeff was born on August 2, 1953, to Gilbert and Katherine Smith in Greenville Texas. He attended elementary, middle and high school at Leonard ISD in Leonard Texas.  Jeff excelled in sports at Leonard High School. He played football, basketball and baseball. During his high school years he was voted by his peers, most athletic, most handsome and most school spirit.

After graduating from Leonard High School in 1972, Jeff enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.  While stationed in Germany, Jeff’s athletic ability and work ethic helped him earn a place on the Air Force Base basketball team.  And as Jeff describes it, they had an outstanding team and he contributed to that success. Jeff was also stationed in Thailand, he told us many stories from his time there and their way of life. He was also stationed in Arizona and Colorado.  Jeff served his country honorably for 4 years getting to travel to different countries and gaining valuable training for future employment. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, Jeff returned to Texas and enrolled in East Texas State University. Jeff lived and worked in Hunt County for most of his 70 years and was a main stay at Canton, McKinney and Bonham Trades Days.

Jeff loved a good conversation on any topic, especially health and fitness.

Jeff was an avid jogger and encouraged his family to exercise daily as he did.

Jeff believed that if you ate correctly and exercised daily that one could maintain a high level of health, which he did until he passed away unexpecting on May 13,2024. A very very sad day for our family and friends.

Jeff enjoyed making furniture for his customers and family.  At the end of a hard day’s work of physical labor, Jeff loved watching his favorite show Jeopardy and old westerns, John Wayne was one of his favorite actors. Jeff was easily recognizable because his favorite clothing selection was denim overalls with a T-shirt.

Jeff was a loving son and brother is survived by his mother Katherine Smith, brother David Smith, sisters Kim and husband Mike Salerno, Dianna, and husband David Wager, 6 nephews (Lawrence and his wife Carmen and their two girls Asun and Lucy), (Michael and Brittney and sons Logan and Max) and Stephen Salerno), (Jordan Smith) and (Thronton and Orie Wager). Jeff had one niece (Anna Wager). Many aunts, uncles and their families.

We will dearly miss our vivacious son, brother, uncle, nephew and cousin.

 Jeff is proceeded in death by his father, Gilbert Smith, his Grandparents Herbert and Clara Smith and Edward and Elsie Hooten.

A Memorial Service will be at Ingram Funeral Home in Quinlan Texas on Friday June 7, 2024, at 4:00 pm.

In Lieu of flowers, please donate to Tunnel to Towers or other Veterans’ organizations.

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