Vernal Jay Smith

Jay was born in Wanship, Summit County, Utah, on September 10, 1939. He was the youngest of three sons of Owen Kenneth Smith and Alda Lewis Smith. He graduated from North Summit High School in Coaville, Utah, in 1957, where he lettered in football and played saxophone in the school band. He moved to Bountiful, Utah, in 1960 and went to Weber State College and Utah State University.

Jay married LaWana Smithies from Kamas, Utah, on November 3, 1961, and they had one son, Glen Jay. They always resided in Bountiful.

He was employed by Hercules, Inc. (Alliant Tech) from 1960 to 1996, where he worked for the engineering office of the Navy and Air Force missile defense systems. He designed nozzles and related components. He later became a Systems Engineer with the Navy Program’s Interface Control Group. He served as company representative to Salt Lake Community College for CAD design programs.

Jay also pursued his love of woodworking, and designed and constructed artist easels which he sold to art supply stores, and built furniture for his home and made large cutting boards for his friends.

He was active in the Boy Scouts of America where he served as Camporee Chairman for the Antelope Island District for two years, and Advancement Chairman and member of the Order of the Arrow.

He assisted his father in developing the Alda Verda Subdivision and was involved with Davis County Economic Development.

Jay, LaWana and Glen took over 100 trips to Yellowstone and the Tetons, where they hiked the back country, fished, canoed and camped. They also enjoyed cruises.

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served in many positions.

He was preceded in death by his parents and older brothers, Darrell Eugene and Reed Lewis Smith. He is survived by his wife LaWana, his son Glen Jay, and sister-in-law Karen Wright Smith.

We appreciate Intermountain Health & Hospice for their caring support.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the Val Verda 7th Ward Chapel, 3350 South 100 East, Bountiful, Utah, where a viewing will be held from 9:00-10:30 a.m. prior to services. Burial at the Bountiful City Cemetery.