Jessie Ely Smiley

Born on September 19, 1943 in Benton, Louisiana, he was the son of the late Nillie and Acy Smiley. Jessie proudly served his country for 28 years in the United States Navy, achieving the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer.

He married the love of his life, Mary, on June 30, 1984, and the family they built together was his world. He was a devoted husband and doting father and grandfather to Samantha and her son Skyler. Everything he did was for them. In his spare time, he found great pleasure working in the garden and enjoyed time in his workshop where he was skilled at woodworking.

Jessie is survived by his loving wife Mary, children, Samantha Boozer (Ian), and Terrie Lemaire (Larry); grandson, Skyler Finley; granddaughter, Stephanie Jalanivich; several other grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sisters, Jenny Schonefeld and Geneva Strain; and brother, Murel Gaines.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Barry Smiley, brother, Wayne Goinez, and sisters, Louise Dilts, Marie Smiley, and Dorothy Smiley Cabre.

Services for Jessie will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at Remembrance Chapel in Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1901 Wade Hampton Blvd, Greenville, SC 29609. Family will receive guests from 2:00-2:30 pm, before the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jessie's honor may be made to the American Cancer Society, https://donate.cancer.org