Memorial services will begin 5:00pm Saturday, May 5th at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home in Cary, NC.
He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence D. Smith and a brother, Clarence D. Smith, Jr. He is survived by Leslie, his wife of 47 years; son, Dr. Jeffrey Smith II of Sumter, SC; daughter, Kelly and husband, Peter Jones of Arlington, VA; his mother Adelaide Smith of Greensboro, NC; and a brother, David and wife, Donna of Myrtle Beach, SC. In addition, he is survived by four grandsons, Kemp and Grayson Smith of Sumter, SC and Quinn and Spencer Jones of Arlington, VA.
Jeff graduated from Smith High School in Greensboro, NC. Following high school, he attended Appalachian State University on a football scholarship and graduated with a BS Degree in Business Administration. He later earned a Masters Degree in Human Resources from Webster University.
Jeff entered the United States Air Force in 1973. After completing pilot training, he flew the KC-135 but spent the majority of his career flying the C-130. He retired from the Air Force after twenty years of service but continued to fly until his death. His broad and long flying career of over 20,000 hour included the 727, 737, 757, 767, L1011, DHC-4-A Turbine Caribou, DHC-8, and DHC-6, Casa 212-200, Lear 45, Lear 35, and Lockheed Sabreliner.
Jeff enjoyed life to the fullest. His passions included riding his Harley Davidson and flying his private airplane. He knew every barbecue place in North Carolina and he and Leslie would fly or ride his Harley to enjoy them all. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, kind and generous in word and deed - an honorable man in every respect.
Condolences may be sent at: www.brownwynnecary.com
