Burris Smith Jr.

Burris Robert “Buss” Smith Jr. passed away unexpectedly at his home in Westerville, Ohio on April 7, 2023. Burris was born in Royal Oak, Michigan on February 3, 1969, to Burris R. Smith, Sr and Katherine Ann Smith. He is survived by his loving wife of 16 years, Catherine Rose Smith, four children, Cecelia Bowers Smith, Katlyn (Alex) Skaggs, Lauren (JJ) Reilly, Anthony Rocazella. He is also survived by his brother, Greg S. Smith, Lake Worth, Florida, five grandchildren, Jaxon, Hudson, Lyla, Rocky and Rose. Also surviving are brothers and sisters in law, Tim and Cindy Maglione, Troy and Karen Smith, along with several nieces and nephews.

Buss was preceded in death by Anne Bowers Smith, the mother of his daughter Cecelia Bowers Smith.

Buss graduated from Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw, Michigan in 1987, and Michigan State University with a degree in journalism in 1991. He pursued a career in technical writing and business analysis in the Columbus, Ohio area for many years.

He was a man of many interests: Avid gardener, inveterate golfer; crossword puzzle fanatic, huge Detroit Tiger fan (Alan Trammell forever!), hockey – a lapsed Detroit Red Wing fan and current Columbus Blue Jacket devotee (much to the dismay of his Michigan friends.) He loved spending time with extended family at Lake Leelanau in Northern Michigan. He was an avid reader and defended Stephen King as the consummate author with anyone who dared disagree. Particularly his mother. Buss was a wonderful writer – and all-around editor of his family’s written work. Usually not requested, but Buss just knew they’d be better people if he offered it anyway.

But foremost, he was a devoted husband, loving father, wonderful son and brother. He had lifelong loyal friends - dear friends who kept one another safe and sane when the need arose, and always love and laughter on a daily basis. You know who you are guys - Ted, Troy, Dave, Greg, Bret, Matt, Tom, Jeff, Bill, Chad. All in it together. Pity the poor bride of any one of these guys if they did not have eleven bridesmaids, because they were going to get eleven on the groom’s side, no matter what.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. In accordance with family wishes, there will be no immediate service, but a celebration of Buss’ life will take place on June 24 at the Columbus Country Club, from 12PM until 3PM. Please visit https://sites.google.com/view/busssmith/home for more information on the celebration. The Schoedinger Funeral Home in Worthington, Ohio will be handling funeral arrangements. Please visit their website www.schoedinger.com to add memories.