Christopher Darren Smay

Christopher Darren Smay, occupational nomad, tinkerer, and seeker of all things fun, died of complications from renal cancer on May 7, 2024, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was 52 years old.
Born in Bucks County Pennsylvania in 1971 to Clifford Dean Smay and Carolyn Irene Rout (née Counterman), Chris worked hard for his family and his time off, spending a good part of his life in pursuit of adventure and fun. He loved mountain biking, waterfall hunting, hiking, shooting guns, riding motorcycles, and making people laugh. Chris was an avid drummer, borderline hoarder, and an amateur gunsmith, who loved to shop for antiques, fine clothes, and hats. Chris would always answer a call for help, and never shied from comforting loved ones during times of suffering. He was as strong-headed and opinionated as he was loyal and dedicated to his wife, children, and dearest friends.
Chris met his wife Jennifer Smay (née Gambill) in 1997, and they have been inseparable since. Together they had three sons, Zorian, Leland, and Julian, who were the sun and moon of his universe. His love for his children knew no bounds and not seeing them again was his greatest pain as he faced the inevitability of a truncated life. In the words of Chris, "the only thing I'll truly miss is all of you."
He will be sorely missed.
Chris is survived by his wife, Jennifer; sons, Zorian, Leland, and Julian; mother, Carolyn Rout; and numerous extended members of his family.
Chris is preceded in death by his father, Clifford Smay; stepfather, John Sanders; brother, Carl Smay; father-in-law, Stephen Earl Meredith; and aunt, Marolyn Fried.
Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville. To leave an online tribute, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are by Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville.