Dennis L. “Denny” Smith

Dennis L. “Denny” Smith, 78, of Columbus, Indiana, went home to be with his Lord on July 17, 2026.

Denny was a man defined by his deep faith, unyielding integrity, and a profound love for his family. More than anything else, Denny had an extraordinary gift for making people feel seen, valued, and important. Whether speaking with a lifelong friend or someone he had just met, he left people feeling better than he found them. He never met a stranger and had an uncanny ability to make people smile, often with a joke, a story, or a simple conversation. He was a strong-willed, good man who lifted the spirits of anyone in his presence. His kindness and generosity extended well beyond his own family. He became a father figure and role model to many of his children’s friends, who always knew they were welcome in his home. To his family, he was simply their hero.

Born in Springfield, Illinois, on December 10, 1947, Denny was the son of the late Roy Chester Smith II and Myrtle Mae (Burris) Smith. He grew up in a bustling household with nine siblings and graduated from Feitshans High School in 1965.

Denny was a natural-born salesman. His warmth, charisma, and genuine love for people led to a successful and highly awarded career as an insurance executive. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Denny’s strong faith anchored his life. He was an active member of Heritage Baptist Church and a former member of Parkside Baptist Church.

Denny filled his life with the things he loved most. He was an avid fan of Indy, NASCAR, and dirt track racing and always looked forward to a friendly game of pool or chess. Music brought him immense joy, but nothing compared to the pride he felt listening to his son, Tony, sing or play a melody. He was equally proud of his daughter, Lisa, whose unwavering dedication to her family and entrepreneurial spirit brought him great joy. Denny often counted his blessings and beautifully shared that God had given him two true angels on earth: his first wife, Carol Diane, and later his wife, Junko.

He was reunited in heaven with his first wife, Carol Diane Rogers, who passed away in 2007; his parents, Roy C. Smith Jr. and Myrtle Smith; and his brother, Roy Smith III.

Denny’s loving legacy lives on through his wife, Junko (Jung Sun) Smith; his children, Lisa (Tim) Eddelman and Tony (Laura) Ferreira; his step-son, Masa Haru (Yoko) Hirata; and his siblings, Bill (Beth) Smith, Linda (Rich) Roy, Rex (Donna) Smith, David (Mary) Smith, Darla Rance, Marty (Diana) Smith, Bonita (Kevin) Dodd, and Holly (Derik) Wommack. He was the proud grandfather of Tiffany Gutierrez, Damian Ward, Mikahla Smith, Brandon Eddelman, Bradley Eddelman, Ridley Ferreira, and Piper Ferreira; a doting great-grandfather to 16; and a great-great-grandfather to one.

The visitation and funeral service will be held at the Jewell–Rittman Funeral Service & Crematory, 3855 25th Street, Columbus. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, July 21, 2026, and from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 22, 2026. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., Wednesday. Pastor Jeff Jones will officiate. Burial will follow at Garland Brook Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will then be held at Heritage Baptist Church, 2010 Doctors Park Drive, Columbus.

He had an extraordinary gift for making people feel valued, and his kindness, unwavering faith, and genuine love for others will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Visit www.JewellRittman.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.