Leroy Jackson “Jack” Smith went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday April 10, 2022. He was born in Mobile, AL on March 13, 1930 to Charles Francis and Carley Sue Gwin Smith, where he was raised in Pensacola, FL.
In his early years, he delivered newspapers by bike daily and performed on the radio singing popular hit songs on Saturday mornings to help support the family. After graduating from Pensacola High School, he was offered a full ride to Stetson University for singing, but chose to join the military instead. Jack attended Florida State University in Tallahassee for two years before he enlisted in the Air Force, and became a Staff Sargent. He was stationed in San Antonio, TX where he served for 4 years. Later he met the love of his life, Kathryn Evelyn Gray, a school teacher, at a military ball in Pensacola, FL. They were married in 1956 at Centenary United Methodist Church in Quincy, FL. They had four sons and moved to Mobile before having their 4th child. They raised their family and were lifelong residents of Mobile, AL. They were active members of St. Francis United Methodist Church and later Dauphin Way United Methodist Church where they sang in the choir together.
Jack followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather and had a successful business in life insurance and financial investments. With his love of helping people, Jack quickly rose to the top level in his field. He not only took pride in his business, but treasured the life long friends he made during his time in the business. Over the years, his insurance expertise and reputation led him to be the top tier of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) multiple times throughout his career.
Jack enjoyed many volunteer endeavors. He was active in his community with various clubs and activities such as: Civitan Club, and the Kiwanis Club, also a longtime supporter of the African Children’s Choir, and Meals on Wheels (through his church).
He also had many hobbies and enjoyments in his life. He was an active tennis and pickle ball player. He enjoyed singing and painting. He and his wife spent many nights dancing at Heron Lakes Country Club with their friends. They loved traveling around the world together and visited many countries. He loved boating and especially spending time at the family condo in Gulf Shores with his family.
He leaves behind his 4 sons: Kenneth Jackson, Alan Gray (Cindy), Robert Keith (Kelly), and Roger Charles (Denice). He was also blessed with 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. His three sisters-in-law: Ellen Smith (wife of Milton Smith) from Pensacola, FL, Lois Smith (wife of Richard Smith) from Tallahassee, FL, and Jimmie Gray Beck (wife’s sister) from Tallahassee, FL. He joins his loving family: his beloved wife of 60 years Kathryn Evelyn Gray Smith, parents Charles Francis Smith and Carley Sue Gwin Smith, two brothers: Milton Smith (husband of Ellen Smith) and Richard Smith (husband of Lois Smith), two sisters: Carolyn Pingrey (Donald) and Mary Lou Haynes (Lamar). He also joins the cherished members of his wife’s family. Her parents Charles Hyram Gray and Gertrude Darsey Gray, two brothers: Dr Charles Gray, Jr (Anita), Dr Edwin Gray (Sunny), a sister, Elizabeth Gray Haire (Marcus), and brother-in-law Dr Otis Beck (husband of Jimmie Gray Beck), and many other family members and friends.
Interment will be at Mobile Memorial Gardens. The pall bearers are sons Kenneth Smith, Alan Smith, Robert Smith, Roger Smith, and grandsons Jonathan Smith, and Brad Smith. The family would like to express their gratitude for all of the love, support, and calls you have showered them with during this time of grief.
