Jessy Rodger Smith's Obituary
Jessy R. Smith, a long time resident of Tacoma, Washington died peacefully at age 81. Jessy was born May 23, 1938 in Elgood, West Virginia to the parents of James Clara Gray and Thelma Emiline Smith. After the death of his mother, Jessy was raised by his grandmother Matilda Smith. After her passing, he went to live with his uncle St. Claire Penn (dad) and aunt Alma Penn (mama). In 1958 he graduated from Park Central High School in Bluefield, West Virginia. After graduating he entered the U.S. Army and served his country from 1960 - 1966. Upon honorable discharge, he settled in Tacoma, Washington and later met Aline Smith, and they were married for 50 years before her death in 2017. Together they raised their one and only son Kevin Smith, who was their pride and joy.
Jessy followed his uncle St. Claire’s (dad) career of being a truck driver. He loved to tell all of his many experiences he encountered while driving his flatbed through the State of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Alaska. He later retired in 1999 from Alaska West Express after 3 years of driving. During an interview he was asked what kept him behind the wheel for so long, Jessy answered “A friend says it’s because I’m too lazy to work, afraid to steal, so I make my living with the steering wheel.” He added, “I grew up with it. My dad was a truck driver, trucking has been a good life, I’ve enjoyed it.”
Jessy accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age. He served as a Deacon at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, where he and his wife were faithful members for over 30 years.
Jessy and Aline were sponsors of club “Casanova Crew” for their son and his friends during the boys middle school and high school years. Jessy enjoyed reminiscing about those times spent with the boys who were like his sons. He was proud of them as they matured into men. Jessy worked hard and took pride in being a provider for his family. He absolutely adored his grandchildren and always went the extra mile to ensure they had what they wanted. Jessy was a straight forward person who would shoot from the hip. He did not hesitate to speak his mind, but at the same time he was a gentle soul devoted to his family.
Jessy was able to fulfill his desire to go home to the Elgood, West Virginia homecoming one last time in 2019. It was a joyous experience for him to see family and loved ones from his childhood home.
Jessy is survived by his son Kevin Smith ("Omari Maulana") (Woodetta) of Fircrest, Washington, eight grandchildren, one great grandchild, sister Nedra T. Margerum (Melvin) of Columbia, Maryland, sister Joyce Penn of Bluefield, West Virginia and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and other relatives. Jessy will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
What’s your fondest memory of Jessy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jessy?
Share a story where Jessy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jessy you’ll never forget.
How did Jessy make you smile?