Jay N. Smith's Obituary
Jay N. Smith April 17, 1927 – August 5, 2015 “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that He considered me faithful, appointing me to His service.” —1 Timothy 1:12 Jay Smith, a young 88 year-old, went to be with Jesus on August 5, 2015, in Dallas, Texas. Born on April 17, 1927, he was the last surviving member of the seven children born to Fenton and Maude (Rushing) Smith in Wewoka, Oklahoma. He was a longtime resident of Oklahoma before moving to Kansas City, Missouri and Dallas, Texas. He enjoyed a career in sales and public relations for various companies including Paramount Pictures. Later in life, while in Kansas City, he devoted himself to ministry, serving as Director of Hospital Ministry at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church for 17 years. He also founded Project 714, based on the Bible passage 2 Chronicles 7:14; established Project Christmas from his desire to keep Christ in Christmas, and started a Promise Keepers group. In Dallas, he continued his work on Project Christmas and enjoyed being near family for the past two years. In addition to his leadership qualities, he was a public speaker and artist who was well known for the thousands of cards he sent in hand-decorated envelopes. Jay was also a WWII veteran who proudly served in the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific theatre. He greatly enjoyed people, laughter, morning Bible devotionals with his wife, artwork, crosswords, classic movies, southern gospel and big band music, inspirational books, trains, lighthouses, the color red, and a good steak. But most of all, he loved the Lord, his wife, and his family. While he had many pursuits in life, his primary goals were to deepen his walk with Jesus and to apply Scripture to his life. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Deanna, and four children: daughter, Debbie Johnson, and husband, Gene; son, Guy Smith; son, LaVoyd Williams II; daughter, Melody Martin, and husband, Jack; grandchildren Shelley, Amy, and Trista, their spouses, and Trey and Sinatra. Many great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and other beloved family members and friends also survive him. Jay was and is greatly loved. He will be deeply missed, but those who knew him in Christ will see him again, and this is indeed good news. A memorial service, celebrating Jay’s life and his Savior, will be held Saturday, August 15, 2015,10:30 a.m., Park Cities Baptist Church, Ellis Chapel, 3933 Northwest Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75225, 214-860-1500. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243.
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