Jeffrey Smith

Jeffrey Leslie Smith
Born November 17, 1951 - Passed November 3, 2025
Jeffrey Leslie Smith was born on November 17, 1951, in NW London, to Leslie Frederick and June Dorothy Smith. His early years were spent in Mill Hill East and Colindale, where he began shaping the curiosity and determination that would carry him through a life devoted to aviation, family, and quiet creativity. He entered the Rolls-Royce apprenticeship in Leavesden while attending St. Albans College, beginning a lifelong career in aerospace engineering.
Jeffrey met Anne Wright in 1968, and the two quickly formed a bond built on a shared sense of adventure. They married on September 4, 1971, beginning a partnership that would span more than five decades. Their daughter, Jennifer, was born in 1974, and their son, Andrew, arrived in 1977.
In 1975, Jeffrey and his young family moved to Germany, where he worked at MTU in Munich. His work took him across borders and continents, always driven by a deep commitment to providing stability and opportunity for those he loved. The family returned to the United Kingdom in 1979, and although work was uncertain at times, including postings that took him to Norway and South Africa, Jeffrey's dedication never wavered. His skill and reliability led him to Lucas Aerospace where he remained for nearly thirty-five years until his retirement.
In 1988, Jeffrey moved with his family to Carmel, Indiana, later settling in Marietta and then Cumming, Georgia, where he continued his work in aeronautics. He formed lasting relationships throughout his career and took great pride in contributing to the aircraft engine systems that reflected his lifelong love of flight.
Outside of work, Jeffrey was a man of thoughtful hobbies. He found joy in aviation, art, model railways, music, traveling, and the worlds of science fiction. These interests reflected his imagination, his patience, and his steady appreciation for detail. He was devoted to his family, offering guidance quietly, consistently, and without fanfare. Through every move, every new beginning, and every challenge, he remained a constant source of love.
Jeffrey is survived by his wife, Anne Finston Smith (née Wright); his daughter, Jennifer Jean Valente, and her husband, Joseph, along with their children, Olivia and Joseph; his son, Andrew David Smith, and his wife, Jessica, with their children, Elizabeth and Gavin; and his sister, Susan June Taylor, and her husband, Mark, with their children, Christopher and Joanne. He will be remembered with respect, affection, and deep gratitude for the life he built and the care he gave.
His family will gather privately to honor his memory.