Jurel F. Smith Jr.

Jurel F. Smith, Jr, age 62, died from cardiac arrest on January 25, 2024. Jurel was born in Dallas, Texas on June 30, 1961 to Jurel Smith, Sr and Bonnie Mae (Jordan) Smith. He graduated from Bishop Dunne High School where he played football. After serving in the military, Jurel attended the University of Houston, and subsequently started his career at American Airlines where he remained until his retirement in 2020.

Jurel is survived by his wife Juanita Harris, his son Jurel Jazzman Smith), his daughter Shurell Smith, two bonus sons (Corl Dorsey and Jamaal Harris), and one bonus daughter (Jamiela Harris), his father Jurel Smith, Sr, his sister Vicki Wilhite (Donald), and a host of relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his mother, Bonnie Mae (Jordan )Smith.

Jurel was a music enthusiast that enjoyed playing the bass guitar, keyboards and percussion. He surprised his wife with his vocal talents when he sang to her with Johnny Gil on the Soul Train Cruise. He traveled all over the world to attend music festivals and to support the performing arts, and somehow would occasionally manage to be invited to the stage to join the band. Jurel also enjoyed fine dining, traveling, cooking, cruising, and celebrating life with friends and family. He had a passion for taking care of the the unhoused and less fortunate in our community.

Jurel shall forever be remembered as the gentleman in the hat with the baby face, kind smile, compassionate and caring heart, loving spirit, and jovial laughter.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to Jurel's favorite charity (Viola's House) at www.Viola's house.org.