Edward T. Smith

Edward T. Smith

Edward T. Smith was born on June 11, 1938 in Paris, Kentucky, son of Joseph Smith and Martha Bray Smith, whom he dearly loved. By the age of 12, he was inspired musically by learning piano and listening to classical music with his father and his mother taught kindergarten in their home which may have also influenced his future career path. He graduated from the Holy Family High School in Paris, Kentucky, matriculating on to receive his degree in education at the University of Miami. While Edward originally strived to become an electrical engineer, he decided that education was a much better fit. Indeed, education was the perfect career choice, as he never ceased being a teacher. After he graduated, he began instructing at Miami Springs Junior High as well as teaching history on public T.V. in the South Florida area. Edward always enjoyed the early teenage youth age group, and they enjoyed him, making jokes and so forth. In fact, he never once sent a student to the principal’s office! He taught school at Palo Verde Christian Jr. & Sr. High School for 20 years in Tucson, AZ. Over the following years, he dedicated his time, energy, and spirit to many ministries and charitable organizations in Tucson, such as: The Gospel Rescue Mission, local jails through the Gideons, Federal Prison ministries, nursing homes, and youth camps. Additionally, prior to retirement, he worked at a women and children’s center teaching Biblical principles. He loved writing Bible lessons, as he continued teaching and spent early mornings writing a commentary on the Song of Solomon. This commentary blessed many and drew them closer to the Lord, which was always his life goal. He will be remembered for his love of God and his love toward others.

Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Christine Smith of Fort Pierce, FL; daughter, Terri Ann Smith-Gallo of Columbus, NC, whom he loved very much as they shared in the love of music and were avid fans of the Miami Dolphins, they often played piano together. She adored her father. He is also survived by his son, John David (Stacy) Smith of Elk Grove, CA. He loved David, as a caring father only could. They shared baseball and other sports like teasing mom! Edward is also survived by his grandchildren, Alex Mandy of Denver, CO, Camryn E. Smith of Phoenix, AZ, and Evan J. Smith of Elk Grove, CA.
Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Smith and Martha Bray Smith.

Services: A service will be held on June 30, 2022 at 3:00 PM at St. Peter Lutheran Church with Rabbi Jacob Zamstein officiating. An inurnment will take place at White City Cemetery, Fort Pierce at a later date.