Jay Keagle Smith, Sr. of Chambersburg, PA, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at his home.
Born October 9, 1933, in Rochester, NY, he was the son of the late Marjorie B. (Barber) Smith and Col. Frank C. Smith.
Early grade school years were spent traveling and moving with Col. Smith’s Army career. He attended high school in Lewisburg, PA where he lettered in football, basketball, and track and graduated in 1952. He was a lifetime Philadelphia Eagles fan since 1947.
He joined the U.S. Army in 1953 where he attended leadership and radio operations schools, then served with 2nd A/C cavalry in German occupation forces in Europe during the cold war. He won several awards for proficiency in manual of arm’s contests and served on the special honor guard for the retirement of General James Gavin. He also received the Honorable Distinction in 1956.
In the sixties and early seventies, he was a member of the Central Presbyterian Church of Chambersburg, worked with scouting, was a charter member of “CONTACT” telephone ministries in Chambersburg, and traveled to the Holy Land with the Couriers.
He retired from T.B. Woods Son’s Co. after 35 years and retired again from Ingersoll Rand after 5 more years.
His “Queen of Hearts” Kay I. (Farner) Smith “Kay-Z” preceded him after 47 years of marriage, in November 2020.
He is survived by sons Jay K. Smith, Jr. (Tina) of Waynesboro, PA; Robert L. Smith of Chambersburg, PA; stepson Jeffrey E. Eckenrode (Becky) of Chambersburg, PA; grandson Ryan M. Smith (Kim); great granddaughter Mila Grace Smith; great grandson Micah Jay Smith; step granddaughter Ashley E. Eckenrode of St. Thomas, PA; step great grandchildren Mario and Mariah Duran of Lochbuie, CO, Rilie Johnson, Isabella Kint, and Camden Strang; and beloved sister Julie A. Jones of Providence Place in Chambersburg, PA.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the Chapel of the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, PA 17202, with Pastor Rick Ritenour officiating.
Burial will follow in Lincoln Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by Charles Nitterhouse VFW Post #1599.
The family will receive friends on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Saturday, from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Charles Nitterhouse VFW Post #1599 Honor Guard 747 South 4th Street Chambersburg, PA 17201 or the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter 5051 Letterkenny Road W Chambersburg, PA 17201.
Condolences and memories may be shared at the funeral home’s website.
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