Matthew Blake Lanier Smith

Matthew Blake Lanier Smith was born on December 21, 1994, to his loving parents, Kelly Lanier and Joey Smith. He was a beloved son, a cherished brother to Zachery Smith and Blair Soles, a doting uncle to Samuel Smith and a friend to so many. Also surviving Matthew are Joyce Ann Smith, his grandmother, and his father’s wife, Jennifer Smith.

Matthew was a bright light in this world. He had a natural way of making people laugh, and his charisma could light up any room. He was the kind of person who could have been anything he wanted to be-he had that spark that made people believe in him.

With his handsome smile and deep blue eyes, Matthew left a lasting impression wherever he went. His laugh was contagious, and his heart was even bigger. If Matthew cared about you, you knew it—his love for his family and friends ran deep.

Matthew had a gift for showing up for people when they needed it most, never thinking twice about helping others. He was always up to something, keeping his mom on her toes every step of the way—but that playful spirit was just part of what made him so special.

Matthew’s life ended too soon on February 28, 2025, but his memory will live on in the stories, the laughter and the love he left behind.

The family will receive friends from 3-3:50 pm on Friday, March 7, 2025 at Bladen Gaskins Funeral Home in Elizabethtown followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 4 pm.