Hardie Jay Smith

Hardie Jay Smith, 75, husband, father, Pap and friend of many, passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at at his home in Clermont, Florida with his family by his side.

Born in Clinton, Indiana on October 23, 1948, to Harlan and Donna (Miller) Smith. Hardie was raised by a village of precious family and friends who instilled in him the skills needed for a successful life. Hardie always said "Nothing ever happens in your world unless you make it happen" and he dedicated his life to making it happen, not only for himself but for those he loved.

He climbed the ladder one rung at a time. He began his career in 1967 as a truck driver at Lapel Sheet Metal. He served his apprenticeship there under his Uncle Harry. He went on to become shop foreman and ended his career there in 1988 as the CEO (Chief Executive Officer). For over 50 years, Hardie was also an involved member of the Sheet Metal Workers Union Local No. 20. Serving on the Joint Apprenticeship Committee in the 1970's, Hardie developed a passion for overseeing the education of apprentices. In 1989 Hardie climbed another rung on the ladder when he was selected as the new apprentice coordinator for the Indianapolis area. Hardie had a vision for this program and worked passionately to achieve it. He helped establish a state-wide trust fund of which he was named administrator. He merged 6 of 7 local training programs into one concentrated program - serving as state-wide coordinator - benefiting countless lives in pursuit of his dream.

In 2006, at the age of 57, Hardie achieved his long-awaited goal of retirement. He asked God for 10 good years of retirement. He got 18. Hardie loved Florida. He could always be found on adventures at Disney, Universal, and other local parks. He also loved old car shows, Boston Lobster Feast, and riding his Harley. However, he never forgot his people back home. He always made it a priority to call and visit whenever possible, and Hardie was never happier than when he was talking with his friends and family. He always made a point to keep up with those he loved, whether on the phone, in person, or through his thoughtful Facebook posts. All of which will be dearly missed.

Hardie is survived by his current wife, Jayme Lee Smith; daughters, Lora (Bob) Gandy and Melissa (Phil) Stewart; sons, Andres Fernandez and Chen Chen; grandchildren, Alexandra (Tyler) Marchick, Ross Gandy, Erin (Dan) Jauch, Josh (Nicole) Stewart, Stacy (Brent) Love and Cortlyn Stewart; great-grandchildren, Allison, Emma and Jacob Jauch and Jocelynn and Dallas Stewart; sister, Penny (Smith) Fisher; and brothers, Rick (Dianna) Smith and Rocky (Karen) Smith.

Hardie was preceded in death by his parents, Harlan and Donna Smith; his second wife, Sandra Dianne (Parsons) Smith; his older brother, Jerry Smith; his beloved aunt and uncle, Bertha (Smith) and Harry Walker; as well as his dear friends, Stanley and Mona Owens.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Bozell Funeral Homes, 1010 North Main Street, Lapel, Indiana 46051.

Visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturday at the funeral home.

Burial will be on Monday, March 18, 2024, at McDaniel Cemetery in London, Kentucky. The procession will begin at House-Rawlings Funeral Home, 510 East Fourth Street, London, Kentucky at 9:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741.

Online condolences may be shared at www.bozellfuneralhome.com.