Matthew Jeffrey Smith

 

Matthew Jeffery Smith, 69, of Marietta, peacefully passed away on Friday, April 7, 2023, surrounded

by his loved ones and friends.

Matt was born April 25, 1953, in Washington, Pennsylvania to the late Howard and Martha

(Dinsmore) Smith.

He was a member of the Marietta High School Class of 1972 and a member of the Ravenswood High

School Class of 1972. In the Spring of 1972, he set out on the first of many adventures with a group

of friends heading south to Florida.

After returning home he joined the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Holloman Air Force

Base in New Mexico. During this time, he worked as an aircraft mechanic on F-4C Fighter Jets. He

was honorably discharged following an accident in 1974.

In the late 1970’s, he graduated from the Parkersburg Barber College. He worked as a barber in

Williamstown, WV before opening One Cut Above barber shop in 1981 in Marietta, Ohio. He worked

as a barber until 1985.

In 1986 he began working for the Ohio Bureau of Employment Services as a Customer Service

Representative providing employment and unemployment services. In 1993 he transitioned to Ohio

Department of Job & Family Services and had many roles within the agencies. He retired from the

Ohio Department of Job & Family Services in June 2017.

Left to cherish his memory are his children; Jessica (Joe) Kidd, of Whipple, Corey (Emily) of Frisco,

Texas, Donald Cody (Danielle) Creamer-Bauman of Vienna, West Virginia, Maggie (Thad) Duvall of

Williamstown, West Virginia, and Ian Smith of Marietta; grandchildren, Kesselyn Bigley, Evelyn and

Madeline Kidd, McCartney and Ruthie Smith, Sebastian (Bash) and Vada Creamer-Bauman, Elliott (Ellie)

Smith, and Jacobi Duvall; and siblings Meleesa Oldham of Louisville, Kentucky and Mark (Mare)

Smith of Lake Worth, Florida.

In addition to his parents, he was proceeded in death by his brother-in-law, Durbin Oldham.

Matt enjoyed spending time on the golf course or relaxing in the sun listening to his favorite music.

His happy place was anywhere near a beach and warm weather, catching the waves and body

surfing into shore with his love, Debra Tabor. He was “Pop” to his grandchildren, of whom he was

very proud. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and enjoying all the activities they were

involved in. He was an avid Ohio State football fan and loved going downtown to catch the game. He

loved live music and could be found around the area listening to local artists or enjoying acts that

were passing through town.

The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life on June 11, 2023 at The Town House in Marietta, Ohio

beginning at 1 p.m. The family encourages anyone that knew and loved Matt to come down and

celebrate all the good times you’ve had together, while listening to live music and remembering his

motto: “One Day At A Time, and NEVER GIVE UP”.

Contributions in Matt’s memory may be made to the Ely Chapman Education Foundation, 403

Scammel Street, Marietta, Ohio or a charity of your choice.