Astley George Smith

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His life remains a testimony to the Christ-centered path he cherished.

Astley George Smith, lovingly known as “Smithy,” passed away on September 23, 2026, at August Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. He was born on June 12, 1950, in St. Mary, Jamaica. Mr. Smith faced cancer with courage and faith. After more than two years in remission, the illness returned aggressively in 2026. When treatment could no longer offer a cure without grave risk, he chose hospice care so that he could focus on comfort, peace, and time with the people he loved most.

Mr. Smith was a quiet and gentle soul whose life was marked by humility, compassion, and deep faith. A servant of God in both word and deed, he remained steadfast through life’s joys and sorrows. He was widowed on July 7, 2014, when his wife passed away from an embolism during cancer treatment. Even after that painful loss, he stayed strong and continued to live as a true servant of God. As a deacon at the Independent Baptist Church in Portland, Jamaica, he lived with kindness, compassion, and a deep trust in the Lord’s will. His life remains a testimony to the Christ-centered path he cherished.

He received a secondary school education and completed Cadet training. Over the course of his working life, he was a tractor driver, mechanic, and tour operator. He was also proud of the years he spent in retirement. After working hard for so long, he found great joy in being able to rest, travel, and see other parts of the world. He treasured meeting his great-grandchildren, and it meant a great deal to him that he was able to meet and hold his newest great-grandchild, born on May 5, 2026.

Faith shaped the rhythm of Mr. Smith’s life. Sunday services, prayer meetings, and church functions brought him great happiness. He loved listening to gospel music, reading his Bible every day, and spending time in quiet reflection. He also enjoyed doing puzzles, cooking, and baking banana breads and fruit cakes. In his garden, he planted pumpkins, watermelon, bananas, and many other fruits and vegetables, generously sharing the harvest with his neighbors. These simple but meaningful acts reflected the generous and caring spirit that defined him.

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These simple but meaningful acts reflected the generous and caring spirit that defined him.

Mr. Smith is remembered with love by his family. He is survived by his daughters, Stina Smith Anastacio, Verona Smith Malcolm, and Jerlin Smith; his sons, KirkPatrick Smith and Christopher Smith; his sons-in-law, Maurice Malcolm and Renan Anastacio; and his daughter-in-law, Dani Martin Smith. He also leaves behind many beloved grandchildren: Joy Malcolm, Reanna Malcolm, Chadwick, Murdock, Akeem Campbell, Kirkpatrick Smith Jr., Nalah Anastacio, and Zayne Smith. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren, Naomi Diana, Ezra Odom, Joshia Odom, Kairo DeSousa, and Nasir DeSouza.

He is also survived by his siblings, Kenneth Ellis, Eric Ellis, Trevor Ellis, Pamela Smith, Vincent Smith, Austin Smith, Glasford Smith, Rainford Smith, Patricia Brown, and Dwight Heartley, as well as his nephew Kendrick Ellis. He will be deeply missed by his children and by the many relatives, friends, neighbors, and fellow worshippers whose lives were touched by his steady faith, warmth, and kindness.

Astley was a humble and compassionate man who had wished to pass in his own home, and though that was not possible, those who loved him take comfort in knowing that he is now free from pain. His children continue to miss him deeply, while holding close the peace that he is no longer suffering. His love, his service, and his devotion to God will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.