Jeff M. Smith

Jeff M. Smith, 60, Rockford, IL, passed away on December 6, 2021. He was born on September 24, 1961, in Minneapolis, MN.

Jeff was an owner/operator in the trucking industry who grew his business into a thriving and successful company. He married longtime friend and companion, Maryellen Webb on August 2, 2017 in Las Vegas, NV. Jeff was an animal lover, especially of dogs, and had a passion for Ford pickup trucks, especially 1953 – 56 F-100’s, restoring many beloved projects. He enjoyed hunting with family and friends and camping trips with Maryellen.

Jeff was a connoisseur of banana pudding and loved candy and sweets. He was a tinkerer, a doer; nothing was beyond his ability to fix. Beneath his gruff exterior, Jeff was a fun-loving big softie with a heart of gold, who was generous to others with his time, talents and resources whose memory will be cherished by those who knew and loved him.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Maryellen; parents, Joseph and Darla Smith; children, Mike (Jennifer) Smith, Trever Smith, Jessica (Mike) Webb, Jillian (Yaya) Dezarn, Jennae Robinson, Alaina (Gage) Hanson and Nina (Cameron) Paris; grandchildren, Ethan, Julia, Myles and Alivia; sister, Kim Smith; in-laws, Ozzie and Maryann Webb; pets, Bubba, Moody and Groot and grand-pets, GusGus, Asher, Chapo, Lucy and Maggie. Preceded in death by his grandparents.

Visitation at Fitzgerald Funeral Home Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Avenue, Rockford, IL 61103 on Tuesday, December 14th from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Funeral service will be on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at Riverside Chapel at 10:30 a.m. with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Those unable to attend services in person may join live via Zoom using Meeting ID: 864 5841 1202 and Passcode: 123. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Machesney Park, IL. Masks are required for any events attended. Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory assisted the family. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.