Obituary - Jasper Smith

Jasper Douglas “Doug” Smith of Rockholds, Kentucky went home to be with the Lord on December 21, 2023.Doug was born May 4, 1963 in Oakland, California to Sadie Mackey Smith and the late Jack R. Smith. He was the youngest brother of Michael, Robin, and Tom. As a Navy son, Doug spent his first seven years in various locations, before his family returned to Williamsburg. He attended Williamsburg Independent Schools and graduated from Cumberland College in 1985.

Doug was married to Lisa Lawson Smith of the Fairview Community, his wife of forty years. He relished being a “girl dad” of two daughters, Megan and Jacqueline. He was the proud father-in-law of Major Barron Davis and Dr. William C. Arnold, and the doting “Papaw” to six beloved grandchildren: Jasper, Maddie Rose, Georgia, James, Will and Andrew.

Doug was commissioned an Officer in the United States Navy in 1987. He served as a Surface Warfare Officer on active duty before going on to a long and active period of service in the US Naval Reserves, attaining the rank of Commander. After his active duty time in the Navy, Doug joined the family business, O’Dell’s Fine Jewelry. He went on to work in construction management for Codell Construction Company.

Doug spent many years as an active member of the downtown Williamsburg community where he enjoyed working with youth at First Baptist Church. Later, he moved to his family farm in Rockholds where he relished taking his grandkids fishing and on Gator rides to the barn. Doug was passionate about many pursuits and hobbies, including woodworking, technology, goldsmithing and gunsmithing, outdoor recreation, and guitar. He was a lifelong science fiction enthusiast and a zestful chef and grill master.

Doug is survived by his wife Lisa Lawson Smith; his children Megan Davis (Barron) and Jacqueline Arnold (Cas); his mother Sadie O’Dell Smith; his siblings Mike Smith (Karen), Robin Haines (Steve), Tom Smith (Dinah); his mother and father-in-law Elmer and Doris Lawson; his brother-in-law John Lawson (Jennifer); and was “Uncle Doug” to a host of beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Jack R. Smith.

Visitation will be at 11:00 AM until the funeral hour on Wednesday, December 27th, 2023 at Croley Funeral Home in Williamsburg. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM at Croley Funeral Home with Dale Ditto officiating. He will be laid to rest following Military Graveside Honors from American Legion Post 88 at the Croley Addition of Highland Park Cemetery.