Jeff Smith

"To know him was to love him."
That simple line says more about Jeff Smith than any list of accomplishments ever could. He passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday, November 20, 2025 leaving behind a heartbroken family, countless friends, and a world that feels dimmer without his presence and his sweat (which was famously excessive), and his extraordinary ability to make every single person feel like they belonged.
Born on November 23, 1976, Jeff grew into the kind of man who was liked by everyone and loved by anyone who spent more than five minutes with him. He was accepted into West Point, but ultimately chose to attend the University of Kentucky-an early sign of how deep his Wildcat fandom would run for the rest of his life.
He married the love of his life, Mary Beth Smith, in 1998, after the two fell for each other as college sweethearts. They spent 31 years together-years full of love, friendship, partnership, and laughter.
His greatest joy in life was being a father. He was endlessly proud of his two boys: Nolan, 21, a senior at NC State studying Aerospace Engineering, and Caleb, 19, a student at EKU studying Business, as evidenced by the handwritten weekly letters he wrote to them while at school. If there was an activity, a practice, a game, or a parent meeting-he was there. He was often found talking to all the other parents like the "governor," making a community everywhere he went.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charlie Smith.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Beth Smith; his sons, Caleb and Nolan; his mother, Debbie Smith; and two sisters, Lauren Smith, and Jennifer Dailey, his twin, and her husband, Jay. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Zachary Davidson and his two sisters-in-law, Teresa Zuberer and Kristi Morton, and their husbands, David and Timothy. All of which he shared years of travel, lake trips, and the kind of easy camaraderie that made them all feel more than in-laws.
He is also survived by his father-in-law, Terry Aldridge, and beloved mother-in-law and stepfather-in-law, Beth and Kevin Downing, whom he spent many hours working on projects at the family lake house with.
Uncle to five nephews – Grayson (Anna), Gavin, Cashton, Ryan, and Christopher – three nieces – Taylor (Madison), Ashlyn, and Peyton. He also had two great-nieces – Chambers and Scarlett – and one great-nephew – Arch, whom he had just been babysitting the day before he passed. He was known in the family as the "baby whisperer," which made sense because babies, like everyone else, instantly loved him.
And of course, he leaves behind his dog, Jasmine, who worshiped him and made it abundantly clear to anyone watching that he was her person.
Professionally, he was an accountant, and a darn good one, supporting everyone at Phoenix Process Equipment where he worked as a CFO. Personally, he was so much more: a great husband, a devoted dad, a loyal friend, a bourbon connoisseur, talented cook (especially when it came to the legendary lake breakfast spreads and the Mother's Day feast), a die-hard Kentucky Wildcat fan, a gifted karaoke singer, and a guy who could pick up his guitar at a moment's notice and turn any gathering into a sing-along. He was also the family's unofficial documentarian with his ever-present camera or camcorder.
He was also a quietly gifted athlete-the kind you didn't realize was that good until he picked up a bat, a ball, a paddle, or anything even remotely resembling sports equipment. He had that rare combination of natural ability and zero ego.
He had a movie one-liner ready for every situation-perfectly timed and always delivered with that familiar grin. Whether he was quoting Step Brothers or Anchorman, he could turn even the most ordinary moment into comedy.
He was funny and quick-witted, but also patient and steady. He was incredibly handy-always working on some new project-and so hardworking that his brothers-in-law would jokingly (but truthfully) claim he was the favorite.
He lived his life with purpose, kindness, humility, and a sense of fun that made everything better just by having him there. His absence is immeasurable. His impact is permanent. His family is devastated, as are all who loved him.
If you knew Jeff, you carry a piece of his goodness with you, and just know you are lucky – because to know him is to love him.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Ratterman & Sons Funeral Home; 10600 Taylorsville Road, with cremation to follow. Visitation will be from 2 – 8 p.m. Monday, and from 9 - 11 a.m. Tuesday, prior to funeral services.
Condolences may be shared by going online to www.Ratterman.com.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of a donation to Down Syndrome of Louisville.