Brian Scott Smith

Brian was born on September 18, 1965, in Gulfport, Mississippi, the son of Donald and Betty Smith and younger brother to Brent Smith. His early years were spent in Gulfport and Mobile before his family settled in Tallahassee, Florida, where his confident and headstrong spirit emerged and developed. He later moved to Pensacola, graduating from Woodham High School, where he played baseball and formed lifelong friendships.

A proud graduate of Florida State University, Brian earned a BS in Economics and History in 1988 and remained a devoted Seminole throughout his life. As a college student he coached basketball at Lincoln High School where his love of mentoring and desire to serve others came into focus.

Brian began his career in the consumer packaged goods industry, later building an illustrious career in the beverage industry with companies including Coors, Pabst, and Mike’s Hard Lemonade. He concluded his professional journey with Protis Global, where his greatest strengths—mentorship, leadership, and relationship-building—were fully realized. Over more than a dozen moves, Brian built and maintained countless professional and personal friendships and was widely respected as a charismatic presenter and trusted leader. Those with whom he worked describe him as the ultimate servant-leader and reflect on his innate ability to draw out the best in his team.

Brian was passionate about giving back, particularly through Beat the Streets Chicago, where he invested his time, resources, and mentorship in supporting inner-city youth. With his gift for authentic connection and relationships, Brian never met a stranger and made everyone feel seen, valued, and encouraged.

Above all, Brian lived by his guiding principle: “Family first, always.” He was a devoted husband to Adrienne and a deeply proud, engaged father to Nicholas (33), Gabrielle (31), Campbell (19), and Mallory (16). He took genuine interest in everything his children pursued and wanted nothing more than to see them succeed.

He is survived by his parents, Donald and Betty Smith; his brother, Brent Smith (Cheryl); his wife, Adrienne Smith; and his children.

Brian’s funeral will be held on Saturday, January 24 at 11:00 am at Bayview Fisher- Pou Chapel in Pensacola, Florida. Visitation will be held at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Brian's honor at https://www.givesendgo.com/smithfamilysatx

For those who wish to attend Brian's service's via Zoom, please visit: https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83563868674?pwd=pUOxUHsKa7ViSfbflxE69Aoru2u4Z3.1__;!!M2D_dUfSiN4E!MWnlm9e8CxBhjdnBIKTPPQaZGimfVhDeAAqq7jvBT8XhFy5ojKdtVkOqWCbNY-QRRx6rh6VmeLctoai6TkYNwnLg3UVniw$

Meeting ID: 835 6386 8674

Passcode: 879540