Jeffery D. Smith

Jeffery "Jeff" D. Smith, 69, of Green Springs, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on October 27, 2021.

He was born January 25, 1952 to Francis and Hattie Smith, who are both deceased. Also deceased is his brother Jan. Left to cherish his memory are his sister Jill (Denny) Benesh of Clyde, Ohio, Nephew, Mitchell Benesh of Columbus, Ohio, and Niece, Dena Bollenbacher of Bellevue, Ohio. Along with his close dear friends, Charlie Beard of Clyde, Ohio and Connie Olinger of Wooster, Ohio.

Jeff graduated valedictorian from Clyde High School in 1970 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame. In 1974 he graduated magna cum laude from BGSU.

Music was Jeff's life. He began performing professionally at age 15. College saw him earn a music degree in woodwind performance, specializing in alto saxophone and flute. Thereafter, Jeff accepted a graduate assistantship from The Ohio State University and gigged most weekends throughout those years. He was also an accomplished concert pianist. Although Jeff was mostly known as a player of "legit" music, his taste shifted more and toward jazz as time passed, and he has even written his own Christian music to honor God.

Jeff is still referred to as "Smoothie" by his college peers who nicknamed him for his unique sound and style.

In recent years, Jeff had resumed playing piano, entertaining residents and staff at Spring Creek Assisted Living where he resided the last 3 years.

Jeff will be remembered as a modest, talented, hard-working soul with a very dry wit who despite the challenges life presented him, he did not complain and never gave up. He was a believer of Jesus Christ and loved to read his bible every day. He would never touch another book but he was very faithful reading the Lord's Word. Jeff will be greatly missed.

A special thank you to Eve Alloway and staff at Spring Creek Assisted Living for taking great care of him. In lieu of flowers, please give to a charity of your choice as Jeff loved giving when he could to help others, especially to help children not go hungry.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, November 1, 2021 at 11am at McPherson Cemetery in Clyde.

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