Edward J. Smith

Edward Jay Smith, age 76, passed away Saturday, April 11, 2026.

He was born on October 21, 1949, to Laird and Betty Buchenroth Smith. Ed was a resident of Mary Esther, Florida. He was Christian by faith and a member of the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. He was a veteran of the Vietnam Era serving his country in the United States Marine Corp. Ed was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, and father to “Jakie” the cat. He was a member of the Fort Walton Beach Community Chorus for many years and even sang in Germany with them. He received a Technical Degree in electronics from ITT Tech in Dayton, Ohio. He loved to fish and throw his cast net with his grandchildren. He taught himself how to weave seats in cane chairs after his retirement.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Richard Smith, and infant Lynn Smith. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Deborah Fae (Dipple) Smith; two children, Branden Smith and significant other Susie Kramer, and Dr. Amber Fae Proffitt and husband Joe; grandchildren, Briston Smith, Annabelle Smith-Kaelble, Daisy McEwan Proffitt and husband Steven, Makenna Proffitt, and Chandler Proffitt; two sisters, Anita Stalk and Phyllis Smith and husband Allen; and a sister-in-law Joan Smith.

Ed’s family will receive friends on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 11am-noon at Rushsylvania Church of Christ, with a memorial service at noon, followed by military rites provided by members of the Logan County Honor Guard.

EICHHOLTZ & DARING FUNERAL HOME & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, is honored to serve the Smith family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.eichholtzdaring.com

EJT