Tim Smith

My sweet husband Timothy Dean Smith left this earth unexpectedly on February 29, 2020 of complications following a cardiac arrhythmia. I held his hand as he transitioned peacefully to the next part of his journey, surrounded by family and love.

The first-born child of Wayne E. Smith and Anita E. Anderson Smith, he arrived October 29, 1963 in Salt Lake City, Utah. After a childhood of mischievous hijinks, his family moved to Murray in 1978; he remained a proud Murray resident for the rest of his life. He started eighth grade at Riverview Junior High where we first met in Mr. Gribble’s math class. We became friends after he served as my spotter in weightlifting class. It was love at first site for Tim, but I took some convincing – he won me over in the end.

He followed in his father’s footsteps and enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1980. He was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in the air wing, serving as a bulk fuel specialist. The honor of serving God and his country was hugely impactful and filled him with pride. He was able to travel to places he never would have seen otherwise; his tour of duty in Iwakuni introduced him to the beautiful culture and tradition of Japan. He also had his first little league baseball coaching experience which prepared him for the role of head coach (and father).

We were married January 26, 1983 while Tim was between the duty stations of Iwakuni and Camp Pendleton. The apple of daddy’s eye, Anita Marie, was born in May. His pride and joy, Michael David and Jonathon Matthew, followed shortly after. Tim’s greatest love was his family – he found his true purpose as a husband and family man. He collected “bonus kids,” “adopting” many of his children’s friends and neighbors along the way. As a son, brother, and grandfather, his family was his first priority – he would drop anything for a loved one in need.

As a Type I diabetic, Tim faced many challenges; chronic health complications shadowed him his entire adult life. His stubborn resilience allowed him to enjoy life despite its hardships. His love of music began in junior high band and was evident as he taught his children about classic rock and the golden oldies. He even became a fan of musical theater later in life, much to his surprise.

When my sweetheart left me, he was joyously welcomed by his parents and grandparents. He is survived by his (at times reluctant) advocate, my mother Janet, and my siblings Michael and Alan (Melanie). He was a hero to his little sister, Nikki, and was so proud to welcome her husband Ron and son Niko into our family. Also survived by his younger brother, Terry (Mandy), and his children. Our babies (Marie and Cassidy, Michael, Matthew and Kori) will always miss their daddy. He was a proud grandfather to four beautiful children who will miss him dearly. Tim’s littlest girls, Angel and Frankie, will miss their dad everyday until they meet him and Lady across the Rainbow Bridge.

Funeral services will be Friday, March 6 at 1:30 p.m., at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 S. State St., Murray, with a viewing prior from 12:30-1:15 p.m. A viewing will also be held Thursday, March 5, from 6-8 p.m. at the mortuary. Interment: Elysian Burial Gardens.