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Terry Smart Obituary
Lakeland - Terry I. "Max" Smart, 72, passed away on June 21, 2021 at Tampa General Hospital after a short illness. Terry was born in Ridgeland, South Carolina to parents Grover Jerome Sr. and Jewel Reynolds Smart. He has been a proud resident of Lakeland since moving to the area at the age of 11.
Terry served as a firefighter and driver engineer for the Lakeland Fire Department for 47 years, having retired just last year. He currently holds the record for the department's longest serving firefighter, and has played a major role in the LFD's growth over the last five decades.
Terry was a proud U.S. Army veteran, having served in Vietnam and Dessert Storm, as well as the Army Reserves for 20 years. He was a beloved mentor to many colleagues and friends, and a devoted advocate for local veterans.
Terry is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Grover "Jerry" Smart Jr., and sister Sharon Smart. He is survived by his wife Michelle Smart, daughter Jennifer (Drew) Peters, son Brian Smart, sister Jewel "Judy" Letchworth, and granddaughter Emily Peters.
Visitation will be held on Friday, June 25th from 1-2:00 PM at Victory Church in Lakeland, 1401 Griffin Road, with the funeral service to begin at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Burial Park.
Condolences to the family may be offered at www.gentry-morrison.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
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Ssg daniels
December 4, 2024
My heart is truly saddened
Beryl and Shirley Dawson
June 27, 2021
You will be missed my friend.
Lee Ashley
June 24, 2021
So terribly sorry for your loss Michelle and family. Prayers for you all.
Shirley maltbie
June 24, 2021
We are so sorry for your loss and will keep you all in our prayers.
Tim and Sharron Jones
June 24, 2021
My thoughts and prayers go out to Michelle and family. I first met Terry at Crystal Lake Jr. High in 1966 and our paths were destined to cross again in the Fire Service. Terry and I took fire fire classes and attended seminars together. It is with great sorrow that I say good-bye to a dear friend. I as well as many others will miss this devoted and intelligent man who was dedicated to always helping other.
Sally Bell
June 24, 2021
My condolences to the entire Smart family. I grew up in the neighborhood with Terry and his family and have many a memory. he would stop by when i came home to visit and the talks we would have. You will be missed. Hugs and Prayers for the family
Mike and Stephanie Hinson
June 24, 2021
May you have peace on your next journey. I enjoyed working with my fellow Fire brother and Vet. Our talks are our memories now and some made us laugh and a few got misty eyed. Thank you, my friend. Our condolence to the Family.
Rick Beale
June 23, 2021
Rick Beale
June 23, 2021
Rick Beale
June 23, 2021
My condolences to Michelle and the extended Smart family. I met Terry in 1973, five years before I was hired at LFD. I enjoyed working with Terry, a dedicated and knowledgeable firefighter. I will miss him, but will cherish the memories!
Gene Benton
June 23, 2021
Terry will always be remembered as a super nice guy. He was best friends with my brother, Donald Benton, whom we lost to cancer when Donald was in his early 50's. We will miss them both but they are together again probably just sitting around shoot'n the bull and doing a lot of catching up. Peace be with the family and may they cherish all the memories.
PATTI NICHOLS
June 23, 2021
To Terry's family, my deepest sympathy to the family. I got to know him when he was on light duty in the Risk/Purchasing Dept. A great person. Rest in Peace Terry.
Joyce butler
June 23, 2021
You will be missed by many.
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Gentry-Morrison Funeral Homes - Serenity Gardens Chapel3350 Mall Hill Drive, Lakeland, FL 33810
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