Neville Smith

Neville C. Smith, 94, of Kansas City, Mo, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025. Born on March 31, 1931, in Soesdyke, Guyana, Neville lived a life marked by determination, dignity, and deep devotion to his family.
He grew up in Soesdyke, where he attended Soesdyke Primary School, and later pursued higher education at Bennett College. In his early years, he worked as a seaman, and later served for decades as a floor technician at The Research Hospital, where he was known for his unmatched work ethic and steadfast reliability-continuing to work well into his 90s without complaint.
Neville was a loving husband to Yvonne A. Smith and a proud father to seven children: Henley (deceased), Glynnis, Shelly, Rhonda, Paul, Shonette, and Leslyn. He cherished his twenty grandchildren and held a special bond with each one. He was a devoted brother to Anzel and Chlorine Craig, and is preceded in death by his son Henley Sr. and grandson Henley Jr.
A man of quiet faith and inner strength, Neville loved cooking, writing poetry, reading, working outdoors, and riding motorcycles in his youth. He especially cherished the Christmas season and believed in the power of perseverance, often saying, "Consistency, effort, and perseverance eventually brings success." His great sense of humor and contagious laugh brought light wherever he went.
One moment that encapsulates Neville's spirit occurred when, at 85 years old, he climbed a coconut tree in Georgetown, Guyana. That scene-an elderly man full of resolve and rooted pride-reflected a lifetime of grit, courage, and vitality. Neville's legacy is one of unwavering strength, love without condition, and a work ethic that never wavered.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.