Jay P. Smith

Jay Smith went to be with His Lord, May 28, 2014, after a valiant fight with cancer. He was born on December 17, 1951, to Walter and Shirley Smith and is preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law, Paula Thacker.

Jay is survived by loving wife of 18 years, Patty Smith; daughter, Danielle; son Ron (Debbie); grandchildren, Lexie, Katie, Austin and constant companions, Daisy and Chica. Jay is also survived by in-laws: William and Barbara Rheyne, Linda (Tom) Pace, William Rheyne, Rick (Pam) Thacker, Mike Rheyne, Mark (Pam) Rheyne, Mary (Robert) Ashbrook. Cousin, Shirley Seidenable and close friends, Sandy Maricevich, Pam Bowman, Phil Bice, Carla Karnes and Ron Valentine. Jay was a loving husband, father, and a great friend to many.

He enjoyed the Browns, Indians and The Ohio State Buckeyes as well as playing the guitar. He was a former guitarist with The Challengers and Heartland Bands. Jay graduated from Father Wherle High School in 1969.

For the past 11 years, Jay was blessed to spend his days with his "kids" on his New Albany School bus route #39. He truly missed this opportunity over the past year and spoke often of the joy that they brought to him. Jay was adored by the women drivers at New Albany. He was a disappearing breed of gentleman. He never allowed any woman to be alone after a field trip, and always insisted on closing up for them; even if he had to stay later while he waited on them to return.

Through this past year his faith grew exponentially. He redirected his life to Christ on December 29, 2013! Though not able to attend services as often as he wanted, he loved his church family at Faith Fellowship in Johnstown, Ohio.

Family and friends will gather for a potluck at the New Albany Transportation garage, 10160 Johnstown Road, New Albany, OH from 4-5:30 PM prior to the 6:00 PM service at Newcomer Funeral Home, NE Chapel, 3047 East Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus, OH 43231. Pastor Dan McLaughlin will officiate the service.