Austin Ray Smith

On July 27, 2026, Austin Ray Smith, 30, passed away in his loving home in Colorado. Austin was born on January 11, 1996, to his beautiful mother, Jessica Carlson (Hurley), and his willful father, Tory Smith. He spent most of his life chasing his passions, spreading joy, and touching the hearts of everyone he met. He was vibrant and truly beloved by all who knew him.

As a youth, Austin was what you would call “a real firecracker”. He was a tornado of smiles, laughter, and pure joy for anyone caught in his magnetic wake. Always quick with a response, his fast and feisty mind would make the adults around him drop their jaws in awe. He loved to play and run around with his brother and their childhood friends, getting into adventures, building forts, and daydreaming about the possibilities of tomorrow. Whether in the mountains, desert, lakes, or rivers, Austin’s love and joy are what made those places special. He continued to carry these traits into his teenage years.

Austin graduated from Central High School in 2014, maintaining a 4.0 grade point average and scoring in the 98th percentile on the military ASVAB. He was an active member of the school’s theatre, marching band, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and founder of a club that supported troubled students. He loved to sing and was invited to perform at his class graduation, which ended in thunderous applause. He treasured hanging out with his friends, telling jokes, listening to music, and playing games with his family. His care for others as a teenager tempered him into a thoughtful and brilliant young man.

In his later years, Austin's journey led him to connections that most of us only hope to experience. The Navy scouted him for the nuclear technician program, which did not fit his personality, so he quickly pivoted to find his own purpose. Austin travelled to Minneapolis and graduated from flight attendant school with awards and accolades. However, in his fashion, the real reward was the people he connected with while there and moved on to pursue other interests. He continued to touch the hearts of many as he moved through life, building lasting relationships that were unique and special for every soul that he met.

Austin is survived by his mother, Jessica; father, Tory; brother, Dylan; step-parents; and step-siblings. Although he is dearly missed, Austin lives on in our hearts forever.