Obituary of Jay Harley Smith

Jay Harley Smith, Jr “Our Gentle Redneck” Born on February 16, 1979 in Oceanside, CA Went to be with the angels on October 7, 2019 in Portland, OR For a man so young, Jay touched so many lives. Family was very important to him and he loved family gatherings. To those who knew and loved him, he was known by JayJay, JayBird, Knotthead and sometimes just plain Junior. He is survived by his parents: Eleanor D Smith, Jay H Smith, Sr; his sisters: Kelly M Lockman, Betty J. Smith-Helwig; Nephews; Brian J. Lockman, Joshua W. Smith, Christian L. Lockman, Thomas G.D. Helwig: nieces; Megan D. Smith, Ashlynn M. Lockman, Daelynn M. Lockman; “adopted” daughter Kindle B. Borque and many extended family members and close friends. He enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews and attending their various activities. He was their biggest supporter. While he did not have any children of his own, he was thought to be a father-figure to his nieces and nephews. He was also an animal lover and truly adored his dog, Bagherra Renee. Jay was a very kind man, who would not hesitate to help a person in need. He was a very giving man and you always felt safe when you were around him. He was a simple man, in the fact that what you saw from him is what you got. He thoroughly enjoyed making people laugh and tried to go out of his way to make as many people as he could smile. His was a very dry sense of humor and it did take some getting used to. He would welcome people with open arms and A LOT of sarcasm. He loved fishing, camping, and just being out in the woods. He would always talk about his time with the California Conservation Corps and how that experience taught him so much. This is where his love of chainsaws came about. He looked forward to the yearly wood-cutting season because it involved two of his favorite things: the woods and running a chainsaw. He always managed to make these trips a family affair and get everyone involved. Jay loved military history and could tell you about almost any war time movies. His favorite movies ranged from Band of Brothers to Hacksaw Ridge. He also loved country music, especially the songs from the 1950s and 1960s. Anytime a person was riding with him, the country station was playing and he would be singing along. He would be having so much fun that you could not help but join along. Some people called him a “Redneck”; others called him a “Gentle Giant”. He was the best of both. Jay was rough and tough on the outside, but so warm, gentle and caring on the inside. A person's life was better just by knowing this man! Rest in Peace Baby Brother. We will not say Goodbye. This is UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN!