On Sunday, August 30, 2026, Reuben L. Smith, Jr. was called from this earthly life to his eternal reward by his Heavenly Father.

Reuben was born November 3, 1950, in Lynchburg, Virginia, to the late Reuben Smith, Sr. and Bertha Lee Hayden Smith. The second-born child and first son among four siblings, Reuben seemed to understand the role of big brother from an early age. Athletic, strong-willed, protective, and full of personality, he naturally became a big brother not only to his sister and two younger brothers, but also to cousins, neighborhood children, teammates, and friends throughout Lynchburg’s close-knit Daniel’s Hill community.

Reuben was a big man with a big voice and an even bigger personality. He rarely met a stranger. Whether through a booming greeting, a story, a strong opinion, a joke, or simply his unmistakable presence, Reuben had a way of making himself known. Those who encountered him remembered him.

His life was deeply shaped by two places he loved. Lynchburg was home, where he was surrounded by his mother’s Hayden family, his church family, friends, schoolmates, and the familiar streets of Daniel’s Hill. But the countryside of Amherst County, where his father’s family had roots, claimed another part of his heart. It was there that Reuben developed the lifelong love of nature and the outdoors that would remain with him throughout his life.

Reuben was baptized as a child at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Lynchburg and remained a lifelong member. His faith was an important part of his life, and Mt. Carmel remained a place of fellowship, service, and spiritual family throughout his years. Reuben was a devoted member of the Senior Usher Board, faithfully serving his church and welcoming generations of members and visitors into the Mt. Carmel fellowship.

During his formative years, Reuben’s time was shared between the City of Lynchburg and Amherst County. He attended Lynchburg Public Schools, where his natural athletic ability became apparent through basketball, track and field, football, and swimming. In Amherst County, another kind of education was taking place. There he learned to hunt, fish, farm, care for animals and livestock, and developed a deep appreciation for both the adventure and serenity of the outdoors.

Reuben graduated from E. C. Glass High School in 1970. He earned an athletic scholarship to Norfolk State College now Norfolk State University (NSU), where he was a student-athlete, and member of the NSU Track team. He graduated in 1975 and remained proud of his connection to NSU and the Spartan community throughout his life. Behold the Green and Gold!

Following college, Reuben began his professional career at the Hampton Recreation Center in Hampton, Virginia. Throughout his working years, his career repeatedly placed him in positions serving young people and his community. His work included service with Father Judge Mission Seminary (Job Core), and the Lynchburg Detention Center. Reuben also proudly served his country and Commonwealth as a member of the Virginia Army National Guard. In the years prior to his retirement, he worked in security for businesses throughout Lynchburg and the surrounding area.

Work, however, was only one part of Reuben’s life. Anyone who called him over the years knew there was a good chance he might be on his boat fishing or out with his dogs hunting. The familiar words from his longtime voicemail captured him well. He loved being outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, working with and training his dogs, gardening, horseback riding, playing golf, riding his motorcycle and following NSU football and his beloved Dallas Cowboys. He appreciated a good meal and especially enjoyed sharing food, conversation, stories, and laughter with family and friends.

Reuben was a familiar presence throughout Lynchburg. His size may have made him hard to overlook, but it was his voice, his personality, his stories, and the way he engaged with people that made him difficult to forget. He lived life on his own terms and brought his full presence wherever he went. His absence will be deeply felt by the family, friends, church members, neighbors, former coworkers, classmates, teammates, and countless others whose paths crossed his own.

Reuben was preceded in death by his parents, Reuben Smith, Sr. and Bertha Lee Hayden Smith; his sister, Barbra Lee H. Spinner; and his brother, Judge Gregory E. Smith, and his sister-in-law Gracie A. Tweedy Smith.

Left to cherish his memory and carry forward his legacy are his daughter, Alicia E. Smith, J.D.; his son, Jonathan E. Hatch, Sr. (Latysha); his beloved grandsons, Jonathan E. Hatch, Jr., affectionately known as “JJ,” and Logan Hatch; his brother, Ozell Smith; his nieces and nephews, LaTanya Smith Wingate, Martinez Martin, Lazell Smith, Jonaustin Smith, and Miles Smith (Olivia); his very special friend and companion, Patsy Pennix; and a host of cousins, extended family members, lifelong friends, church family, neighbors, and others blessed to have known him.

Reuben L. Smith, Jr. lived a life rooted in family, faith, community, and the outdoors. He leaves behind memories as large and unmistakable as the man himself, and a voice, presence, and spirit that those who knew and loved him will not soon forget.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church at 1:00P.M. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers please use the QR code to donate to the Spartan football program and scholar-athletes.

Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, is serving the family.