Jeffrey "Jeff" Brian Smith

August 3, 1965 - January 24, 2022

Jeffrey “Jeff” Brian Smith, age 56 of Gainesville, FL, passed away Monday January 24 after a brief illness. He was born to Stewart Smith and Connie Smith (deceased) on August 3, 1965, in Richmond, Indiana. The family settled in Gainesville in 1971. Jeff graduated from Buchholz High School in 1983. He went to the University of Florida and graduated with a degree in Advertising. He began his career with the Department of Children and Families. He worked as a Public Assistance Specialist before transferring to the Department of Revenue in Child Support Services, where Jeff was a supervisor for 25 years. He is known for his honorable work ethic and compassionate leadership as he worked with many friends that were like family. Throughout his life, Jeff was an avid and passionate collector and trader, beginning with stamps, coins, beer cans, old cars and, for the last 30 years, classic vinyl records. Jeff was a lover of all types of music and over the years developed an encyclopedia of knowledge when it came to anything and everything music related. For twenty years Jeff was also owner of FRCA, Florida Record Collector Association which allowed him to enjoy and share his passion for music by hosting record shows throughout Florida that allowed him to develop many friendships with other record collectors. His most prized collections however were his family and friends. Jeff Smith is survived by his three children, Kaitlyn Elizabeth Smith, Jenna McKenzie Smith, Meghan Grace Smith; father, Stewart Smith, preceded in death by his mother, Connie Smith; survived by sister Michele Smith Wells (Sean); nephews, Austin, Taylor, and Riley Wells; dogs Lexie and Elsa; lifelong friend Syd Crosby (Lisa). He is loved and remembered as a best friend, uncle, and beloved cousin. The family would like to thank Jeff’s lifelong friends for their unwavering love and support. A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held at Williams-Thomas Funeral Home 823 N.W. 143rd Street Newberry, FL. on Saturday, February 5th, 2022, at 11: 00 am. Please feel free to join us wearing your favorite band or music t-shirt in support of his love for music of all types. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Association www2.jdfr.org or an animal rescue of your choice.