Byron J Smith

Byron Jacobs Smith was born March 13, 1984 in Webster, Texas and died tragically July 5, 2025. He was preceded in death by his father Douglas Yongue Smith, III; Grandfather D.Y. Smith, Jr.; Meemaw Mary Jacobs Smith; Papaw L.J. Baronette; Mamaw Hazel Berry Baronette; Uncles Ronnie and Randall Baronette; and first cousin "Jake" Smith. He is survived by his mother Ronda Baronette Smith Garrett, brother Douglas Yongue Smith, IV (Sun-Hee), step-father Geoffrey W. Garrett, and step-brothers Andrew, James, and Michael Garrett (Grace). Uncle Byron is survived by So-Yeon, Jun-Yeong, Jun-Soo, and So-Ra Smith and Charlotte and Mason Garrett. He is also survived by Aunt Mary Neilson Smith, Uncles Walter Smith (Debbie), Lee Smith (Debbie), and Doug Baronette (Karen), and numerous beloved cousins.
Byron was very proud of his service in the United States Army which he joined after graduating from Captain Shreve H.S. and attained the rank of Sergeant. He served in the 3rd U.S. Infantry at Ft. Myer Arlington National Cemetery ("The Old Guard") for 4 years where he was proudest to serve as Color Guard for Processions, Presidential Escorts, and military funerals including Ronald Reagan's. He was honored to have his photo as flag bearer included in National Geographic's "Where Valor Rests; Arlington National Cemetery." Later he was deployed overseas with tours of duty in Djibouti, Kenya, and Uganda.
After deployment he returned to Shreveport serving in the Army Reserves and donated time to Pet Savers Animal Shelter where he adopted his best friends Zeus and Sadie, two rescue dogs. He worked at Benton Veterinary Clinic and adopted three well-loved ferrets as well. He loved water sports and excelled at wakeboarding and loved spending Sunday afternoons on Cross Lake.
A gifted musician, Byron had a true passion for music. He learned to play the piano and viola while in elementary and middle school and as an adult taught himself to play guitar and any musical instrument that he fancied. He wanted to make music his career. His nieces and nephews loved to hear Uncle Byron play his acoustic guitar.
While living in Marietta, Georgia Byron loved his summer trips to Shreveport visiting his grandparents and cousins. He loved the family farm in Benton and spent many fun times there with family. For the past six months Byron enjoyed scenic drives through the countryside and would sometimes stop at the gate of the farm to relax and soak in the sights; his last ride on his coveted Kawasaki may have been just such a sojourn.
Byron had the kindest, sweetest heart and was empathetic and thoughtful for the feelings of others, always wanting to help. Close cousin Liz Smith Ricard said it best : "Byron had the Absolute Sweetest Soul. Quiet, Non-Judgmental and a Perfect Gentleman."
The family expresses our appreciation for the thoughtfulness, compassion, and professionalism provided by the Louisiana State Police Troop G especially Lt. James Nash; the Bossier Parish Coroner's Office, especially Roger Strong and Monica Gray; Chris Stanley and Shellie Erickson-Omick at Osborn Funeral Home and the love and support we have received from our friends, family, and neighbors this week.
A memorial service and celebration of Byron will be held at 11 AM Monday July 14 at Osborn Funeral Home with a visitation to follow. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to an animal shelter of your choosing.