J.L. “Jay” Smith of Nixa, Missouri, was born May 28, 1934 to Elsie and Horance Smith. He graduated High school in Pleasant Grove, Arkansas. He departed this life on Monday, March 23, 2020.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Shirley Mitchell Smith; his two sons, Mitchell Smith (Charmaine) and Martin Smith (Samantha); 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; his sister, Thelma Pyles and brother Marion L. Smith of Carthage; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jay was an avid country music singer and songwriter. He loved to hunt and fish. Jay was a lifetime member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
For the past 24 years, Jay was affected by Parkinson’s Disease. The family wishes to thank Dr. Rodney Quinn and the Jared Neuroscience Center for the love and compassion that they showed for him.
Services will be delayed, and details will follow.