Jay D. Smith Jr.

Jay D. Smith Jr., (Smitty), 91, of Bedford, died Saturday, July 18, 2015 at UPMC Bedford Memorial Hospital.  He was born on December 12, 1923, in Huntingdon, the son of the late Jay D. and Mary B. (Johnson) Smith Sr.  On May 18, 1947, in Everett, he married Pauline Snyder (Polly), his beloved wife of 68 years.

Pauline survives along with the following family, three sons: Jay D. Smith, III of New York City, NY, Adam L. Smith married to the former Christine Cassel of Bedford, Dr. Brian S. Smith married to Dr. Mary Jo Hughes, of Delmar, NY; one daughter, Sherry A. O'Shurak and husband William of Bedford; three grandchildren:  Zach O’Shurak and wife Shannon, Dr. Luke Smith and wife Meghan, and Rebecca Hughes Smith; two great grandchildren:  Seamus Rain Smith and Zoey Marie O’Shurak.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Joann Miller, wife of Percy who resides in Everett.  Mr. Smith was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Jay retired from the Pony Express Division of Owens Illinois Trucking Company.  He received multiple safe driving awards.  After retirement Jay worked at the Blackburn and Sons Hardware Store.  Earlier in life Jay worked on his family’s dairy farm in Reynoldsdale, delivering milk.  He also worked with his father at the family’s International Harvester Dealership in Bedford (now the Clark Building).  Jay worked briefly as a toll collector at the Bedford Interchange, a job he very much enjoyed.

Jay was a member of the Christ Victory Church in New Buena Vista and made many good friends there.  He enjoyed volunteering for Love Inc., delivering items from the ministries storehouse to those with a need.  Jay’s life was filled with many quiet acts of kindness and willingness to help others.

Throughout Jay’s life he was eager to help his children, traveling to their various homes, helping with home improvement projects.  He passed his carpentry and mechanical skills on to his grandsons.  Jay was very proud of his grandchildren.  Jay will be remembered in love by his family.  His individuality will be remembered with smiles, laugher and appreciation.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2015, at 11:00 a.m., in the Chapel, at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford, with Pastor Glenn D. Reahm officiating.  Burial at Everett Cemetery.  Friends will be received on Tuesday, from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of the service at the funeral home.  Those wishing may make memorial contributions in Jay’s name to Love Inc., 80 State Street, Everett, PA 15537.  Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.