Col. Perry Jeff Smith, Jr.

After a long battle with cancer, Perry Jeff Smith, Jr., known to most as Jeff, entered the gates of Heaven on October 7, 2026, at the age of 75. Born March 30, 1951, Jeff lived a full life devoted to his family, his country, his faith, and the friends who became like brothers.

Jeff married Debby Qualls Smith in 1970, and together they shared 56 years of marriage, building a life filled with family, friendship, travel, and adventure.

Jeff joined the Army National Guard his Senior year of high school, where he proudly served for 34 years, retiring as a Colonel. Professionally, he began his career as an accountant and investment advisor and spent many years operating his own practice. He later served as Chief Administrative Officer for then Ascension Parish President Harold Marchand before accepting the position of Director of the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP).

Shortly after Jeff assumed that role, Hurricane Katrina brought one of the greatest disasters in our nation’s history to his own backyard. For months, he worked alongside countless heroes responding to the devastation and helping rescue and restore the people and communities affected by the storm. Among those working alongside him was his wife, Debby, who also served at GOHSEP. Jeff later became Chief Operating Officer of Excel Group, the position from which he ultimately retired.

Jeff loved horses, fishing, boating, water skiing, hunting, traveling, Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and just enough mischief to keep life interesting. He and Debby traveled thousands of miles with friends over the years on their motorcycles. Some of his happiest times were spent in Pensacola—offshore fishing, cruising the bay, or with a party barge full of family and friends.

Above all, Jeff loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. His family takes great comfort in knowing that the faith he carried throughout his life has now become sight and that he is home with his Savior.

Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Perry Jeff Smith, Sr.; his mother, Bettye Smith; and his in-laws, Earl and Doloris Qualls.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Deborah “Debby” Qualls Smith; his children, Traci Smith McCorkle (Chip), Perry Jeff Smith, III (Shanon), and Staci Smith; his grandchildren, Morgan, Ryan, Lexi, Samuel, Kathryn (Caleb), and Kain; and his great-grandchildren, Daxtyn and Rhemi. He is also survived by his sister, Vickie June Smith, and her family: Patsy, Rebecca, Elizabeth and Trey, along with their spouses, children, and grandchildren.

Jeff leaves behind a lifetime of stories, adventures, laughter, love, and the unmistakable mark of a life well lived. He will be deeply missed, but his family finds peace in knowing that this goodbye is only temporary.