Denzel M. Smith

Denzel Morton Smith, 77, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Denzel was born in Washington, D.C., to James and Eva Mae Masters Smith of Jacksonville, Florida. From the very beginning, his life centered around faith, family, and his community.

Denzel attended Assumption Catholic School and later Bishop Kenny High School, where he made friendships that have lasted his entire life. After graduating with the class of 1968, he felt called to serve his country, proudly following in the footsteps of his father and uncle by joining the United States Air Force. He served in Vietnam as a crew chief on a KC-135, an experience that stayed with him and created lifelong bonds. He was extremely proud of his service to his country.

After his time in the military, Denzel focused on building his career. He graduated from UNF and spent 36 years with Merrill Lynch, as a Wealth Management Advisor, where he took great pride in his work. Merrill Lynch was not just a job, but an extended family. Denzel met his best friends in the downtown Jacksonville office and was honored to work alongside his Pajcic Group colleagues.

Denzel loved his community and found a special place volunteering as a marshal at THE PLAYERS Championship for 18 years. He loved working “the tunnel” with Jim and the 17th hole crew. He looked forward to it every year – especially this year - and it brought him so much joy.

Family was always the center of his life. He shared a loving 30-year relationship with his partner, Ruth Owen, and together they built a life full of laughter and great memories. He was a proud dad to his beloved Ashley and an incredibly devoted grandfather to Jay Denzel Folladori and Leon Emory Folladori. The time he spent with them was special and always filled with joy.

Denzel was close with his three sisters, the late Sharon Smith Bennett (Lesley), the late Kathy Smith Lindstrom (Peter), and Karen Smith Thomas (David, deceased). He was a loving Uncle to his nephews and nieces, Candace, Adam, Andrew, Scott, Sara, Kristina, and Michael. And Great Uncle to Brandon, Emily, Marin, Davis, Phoebe, Emme, Eva Margaret, Tyler, Ava, and Banks.

Denzel will be remembered for his loyalty, his friendships, and the way he cared for the people he loved. He fought until the very end with strength, dignity, and determination. We will miss him deeply and will carry him with us always.

Visitation will be held at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Legacy Lodge, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207, on Sunday, May 3rd, from 5-7 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Assumption Catholic Church, 2403 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207, followed by interment and reception at Oaklawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider a donation to Community Hospice and Palliative Care.