Boyce Edward Smith Jr.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Boyce Edward Smith Sr. and Helen Cunningham Smith of South Carolina. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Gabrielle Soucy Smith; daughters, Emily Anne Smith and Olivia Smith Ngugi (Jeremiah Ngugi); grandsons, Declan George Ngugi and Alexander Edward Ngugi; his sister, June Michelle Smith Huffman (Beth Griffin); his brother, Benjamin Wofford Smith Sr.; and a large extended family.

Edward was born on October 28, 1949, in Greenville, South Carolina. Growing up surrounded by family on Route 3 in Taylors (Greenville), he played Little League baseball with his cousins and then football for Wade Hampton High School. In 1969, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served a tour in Vietnam. While stationed in Maine, he met Gaby, and they married on August 11, 1973. Together, they lived in South Carolina and Virginia, raising their daughters in Gloucester and Richmond. A strong work ethic was important to him, and he immensely enjoyed his work. Edward worked for Applied Industrial Technologies for decades, traveling up and down the East Coast. Being a people person, he cherished connecting with his colleagues and exploring more of the country.

Always active in their community, Edward and Gaby loved being part of their church congregations, neighborhood associations, and parent-school groups. Edward enjoyed grilling and was particularly fond of hosting pig roasts for summertime cookouts at the local pool. He coached his daughters’ sports teams and loved traveling for band and guard competitions. Whether listening to James Taylor, taking long drives on country roads, visiting Gaby’s family farm in St. Basile, Canada, fishing and diving into the waves while spending time on Pawley’s Island, or just sitting on the back porch with family and friends, Edward often said, “You have to make time for play - your family and friends will appreciate it, as will you.”

Our memories of Edward convey a life filled with authentic relationships, meaningful work, a sense of purpose in supporting those he loved, and an ability to laugh at himself readily and with those he loved.

The family would like to thank the caring personnel at The Pearl at Watkins Centre and Suncrest Home Health & Hospice for their incredible support during the past year. We would also like to express our gratitude to his wonderful neighbors in Amberleigh and anyone who ever returned one of Edward’s smiles. He never met a stranger and genuinely cared about everyone in his life. We love you so much; thank you.

A funeral service will be held on September 20th at 3 p.m. at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia. For those attending, please arrive at 2:30 p.m. and park in the “funeral lane.” The funeral vehicle procession to the chapel will begin at 2:50 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Suncrest Home Health & Hospice, and The Alzheimer's Foundation - Alzheimer's and Dementia Research.