Matthew Hurst Smith

Matthew Hurst Smith (“Matt”), 71, adored husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2025, in Charlottesville, Virginia. Born on August 24, 1953, in Salem, Virginia, Matt was the son of the late LeRoy Henry Smith Jr. and Janice Mae Smith.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 19 years, Gayle; and his children: daughter Mackenzie and her husband Ben, and their children, Collins and Conrad; daughter Jordan and her husband Andy; daughter Kellie and her husband Jason, and their children, Madison, Nathan and Colt; and son Daniel, and his son, Rhyatt. Matt embraced his family with unwavering love and took immense pride in the life he and Gayle built together on their farm in Nelson County.

Matt dedicated 47 years to Albemarle County Parks & Recreation, beginning his career as a lifeguard at Mint Springs and Chris Greene Lake. Through decades of hard work and leadership, he rose to become the Parks Superintendent. His passion for the outdoors and for community access to natural spaces helped shape and grow the county’s park system into what it is today.

He will always be admired for his fiery love of spicy food. He never passed up a chance to compete over who could eat the hottest hot sauce. When he wasn't riding his tractors or fixing something, he was expanding his knowledge as an amateur historian. He was always the first to offer a helping hand, showing up with a smile and a solution. A true original, Matt always made life an adventure.

Matt was truly a man of quiet strength, deep integrity, and endless devotion to those he loved. His legacy lives on not only in the hearts he helped shape and the lives he so deeply touched, but also in every trail, lake, and green space he helped preserve and develop for future generations.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the fall to honor Matt and the incredible life he lived.

In honor of Matt’s memory, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the American Liver Foundation to support research and those affected by liver disease.