Dwight H "Buddy" Smith Jr.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

A Time to Be Born

Dwight Howard Smith, Jr. (known as Buddy) was born January 23, 1971 in Mt. Sterling, KY. He was the oldest of two children born to the late Dwight Howard Smith, Sr. and Nellie Coomes Smith. During his adolescent years, he resided in Morehead, KY where he attended school, worked at Smith’s Sport Center, and regularly attended the First Church of God where he trusted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age.

A Time to Live

Buddy received his Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Morehead State University, then relocated to Atlanta, GA where he was a team member at Niketown. His early career would go on to include serving as a sales representative for Delta Apparel travelling throughout the Midwest, working in Brand Management and Marketing for Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL during which time he also received his Master’s Degree in Business from Stetson University, and working as a Marketing Director for International Speedway Corporation in Daytona, FL. But ultimately, Buddy found his calling in his love for connecting people, owning his own marketing consulting business, networking and selling sponsorships for corporate events. He was an unselfish and generous giver, seeing to the needs that others might not have noticed, and always calling friends and associates just to check in to see if they were doing ok. Ready with a joke, a sports story, or advice, Buddy’s calls or messages were a pleasure to receive.

A Time to Love

Soon after moving to Atlanta, Buddy met and married Holly Long on November 12, 1994, and the “Buddy Holly” story was born. The couple made homes in Little Rock, AR, Desoto, KS, and in both Orlando and Bradenton, FL. They were blessed to spend 26 loving years together and raise 4 children, Zachary, Zoe, Zara, and Zander Smith (the Z-Pack) who were the absolute loves of his life. Buddy really loved to golf, but as the kids grew into their respective passions, he set his own desires aside to be “all-in” for them. And his own children were not the only kids who benefitted from Buddy’s commitment – he was an amazing youth football coach and mentor to countless boys all over the state of Florida. Whenever someone, especially a kid, needed help or advice, Buddy was always available with an infectious smile and a willing hand.

A Time to Die

On Wednesday, December 16th, Buddy went to be with Jesus with his family at his side at Largo Medical Center. Several weeks earlier, he had entered Manatee Memorial Hospital where he was diagnosed with double pneumonia and eventually Covid-19. During this difficult illness, Buddy fought the good fight, finished his race, and kept the faith. His last words were only of his sincere desire to love and provide for his family. He was preceded in death by his father, Dwight Howard Smith, Sr.

A Time to Remember

Buddy is survived by his wife, Holly L Smith, children Zachary Whitman, Zoe Elizabeth, Zara Kathryn, and Zander Caleb Smith, mother Nellie Smith, sister Sheri Smith, as well as a host of faithful friends. A celebration of life service is planned at Bayside Community Church - East Bradenton Campus, Bradenton, FL at 10:30 am on January 16, 2021.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution to an educational fund for the Z-pack would be greatly appreciated, and can be sent to P.O. Box 20362, Bradenton, FL 34204.