Ward Hervey Smith

Ward Hervey Smith passed away on Friday, January 19, 2024, at the age of 81.    Ward was born in August of 1942, in Springfield, MO, then moved to Jackson, MS where he spent the first few years of his life.  Afterwards, his family moved him to San Francisco, CA, Camilla, GA, and finally settling in Gainesville, FL.  

Ward attended high school in Gainsville, and then served honorably in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves.  Afterwards, he attended the University of Florida, finishing college in three years and receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering receiving a degree in electrical engineering.  From there, he moved to Jackson, TN and worked for a number of manufacturing companies, including ITT Telecom, Alcatel, Cortelco, and Alumax.   He served Honorably in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves and then finished college in three years.  While in Jackson, TN, he met the love of his life, Janeen Googe, and became a Christian while attending the Church of Christ in Jackson, TN.  Ward and Janeen were soon married and had two children, Janell Charmaine Smith and Morton Ward Smith.  A brilliant man, Ward would help with the kids’ math and science schoolwork.  Ward was always dedicated to his work and family.   

Ward was an excellent handyman, doing a professional job at every task.  He also excelled at puzzles and brain teasers, enjoyed technology, was an audiophile and was an avid reader of mysteries.  Always staying current with technology, he amazed the nursing aids by hooking up to the Wi-Fi and streaming programs and news. He had a great, dry sense of humor and made the family laugh by sending photos of his meals in the nursing home with colorful descriptions.  Always trying to help others, he had a church music director roommate in the nursing home, so Ward comforted him by singing church hymns.   He also helped other residents with problems eating, by cutting up their food while joking about the origin of various mystery-meat entrées.  He regularly paid the medical and nursing home staff compliments and joked with them to brighten their day.  

Ward was preceded in death by his wife, Janeen Googe Smith. His survivors include his children, Janell Charmaine Smith of San Luis Obispo, California, and Morton Ward Smith, of Brandon, MS.  His brother, Richard C. Smith, Esq. of Miami.  He also deeply loved his grandchildren, Noah Stone Smith and Sloan Elizabeth Smith of Brandon, MS.