Jesse Willard Smith

Jesse Willard Smith, 62, of Amherst, Virginia the mystical mythical man, our modern day cowboy was called home April 13, 2025 in Arrington, Virginia.

He was born November 13, 1962 to the late Granville Willard Smith, Jr. and Mittie Louverne Goolsby Smith.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by eldest sister, Claudine Smith Wood.

Jesse is survived by his four children, Susie M. Smith of Greene,VA, Jessica C. Smith and husband, Charles “Charlie” Rankin of Waynesboro, VA, Daniel C. Morris of Arrington, VA, and Joseph “Joe Joe” Morris of Arrington, VA. He is also survived by two granddaughters, Jasmine Glass of Palmyra,VA and Arwynn Glass of Charlottesville, VA; two great-grandchildren, Chanel Glass of Palmyra, VA and Legend Glass of Palmyra, VA. Jesse also had a special friend, Lisa Conley of Amherst, VA as well as three lifelong friends, Sheila C. Morris of Arrington, VA and Edward “Eddie” Bourne of Buckingham, VA and Dora Kohlke of Faber, VA.

Jesse’s surviving siblings include Granville Willard Smith, III and wife, Sue of Faber, VA, Jeanette “Jeannie” Wright and husband, William “Billy” Wright of Schuyler, VA and Angela C. Smith of Albany, GA.

Jesse had many titles in this lifetime, including dad, pawpaw, brother, Red, Little Hard Smith, Calico Cowboy and friend. He loved his family, spend time outside “puttering” around, painting, fishing, working on his old trucks, playing his guitar, and listening to the radio.

Jesse was a man of many trades and passions. He was a handyman, hard worker, and always willing to lend a helping hand. He was a skilled landscaper and later retired from Afton Inn Hotel where he worked as groundskeeper.

He was a once in a lifetime friend and he was a four leaf clover, one of a kind.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston, VA (434-263-4097).