Mr. Edward Jay Smith, age 76, passed away Saturday, April 11, 2026. He was born on October 21, 1949 to Laird and Betty Buchenroth Smith.

Mr. Smith was a resident of Mary Esther, Florida. He was Christian by faith and a member of the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. He was a veteran of the Vietnam Era serving his country in the United States Marine Corp. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, and father to “Jakie” the cat. He was a member of the Ft Walton Beach Community Chorus. He received a Technical Degree in electronics from ITT Tech in Dayton, Ohio. He loved to fish, throwing cast net with his grandchildren and enjoyed weaving cane chairs.

Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents; two brother, Richard Smith, and infant Lynn Smith.

Mr. Smith is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Deborah Fae Smith; two children, Branden Smith and significant other Susie Kramer and Amber Fae Proffitt and husband Joe, grandchildren, Briston Smith, Annabelle Smith-Kaelble, Daisy Proffitt, Makenna Proffitt, and Chandler Proffitt; two sisters, Anita Stalk and Phyllis Smith and husband Allen.

Receiving of friends will be held 10:00 – 11:00 AM, Saturday, April 18, 2026 at First Christian Disciples of Christ at 201 St. Mary’s Avenue, Ft. Walton Beach, Florida 32548.

Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, April 18, 2026 at First Christian Disciples of Christ with Dr. Roger Peadro officiating with Military Honors by the United States Marine Corps.