Joby Wayne Smith
Joby Wayne Smith, 57 of Milaca, Minnesota and formerly of Clio, AL, entered his eternal rest surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at Brookwood Medical Center Birmingham.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Calvary Assembly of God Church in Clio, AL with Doctor Randy Adams officiating along with Jeff Kolodzinski and Joby’s son Ethan Leuthner speaking. Burial will follow in the Calvary Assembly of God Church Cemetery with Glover Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends on Monday, March 30 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Calvary Assembly of God Church. A memorial service will be held in Milaca, Minnesota at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Assembly of God Church Cemetery Fund, PO Box 393, Clio, Alabama 36017.
Joby was born October 25, 1968 in Ozark, AL to Gary & Nell Smith. Following his graduation from Louisville High School in May of 1987, Joby attended The Alabama Aviation College in Ozark, AL. While in high school, Joby worked at the Dixie Dandy Grocery Store in Clio. After college, he worked briefly with Van Heusen before beginning his 37 year long career with Johnson Outdoors in which his coworkers who worked alongside him became his family on the road. As he traveled the world with his career, Joby became a fixture in the bass fishing community and a friend to everyone he had the pleasure of meeting. He truly loved what he did. Joby spent his days fixing things for others, but his real gift was the kindness, humor, and attention he brought to every conversation. In reality, no matter where he was working, it was never too far for him to always find a way to stop by Nanny and PaPa’s home to visit family. Joby, better known as “J” to those who loved him most, was a loving husband, father, and friend who touched the lives of everyone he came in contact with. His face always lit up when talking about his family. To know Joby was to love Joby. In addition to being an avid outdoorsman, Joby was a huge Alabama Crimson Tide fan, enjoyed a good turkey hunt with Ethan, spent many hours ice fishing, enjoyed time spent with his grandkids, and prided himself in taking care of his family. Joby will be remembered for his infectious laugh, unwavering friendships, and willingness to help anyone in need. Joby married the love of his life, Jackie Smith, in September 2016. Joby & Jackie were each other’s best friend and soul mates. Joby was Jackie’s rock. Together, they built life-long memories and friendships.
Joby was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Otis “Peanut” & Pauline Bowman Smith and his maternal grandparents JD & Ollie Morris.
Joby is survived by his wife Jackie Smith; his daughter and son in law Chelsea & Roy Knopp and his son Ethan Leuthner; his grandchildren RJ Knopp, Kaylah Knopp, Jayden Knopp, Royce Knopp, Charlette Knopp, and Catheryn Knopp; his parents Gary & Nell Smith; his brothers Brent (Chasity) Smith and Terrell (Amy) Smith; his father & mother in law Richard & Shirley Perry; his brother-in-law John (Sara) Perry; his nieces Brooke (Justin) Russell, Emma Jo Smith, Keyara Perry, Jayden Perry, and Anya Perry; his nephew Brock Perry; and all of his service crew members.
Serving as pallbearers will be Mike Cochran, Andy Stallings, Jacky “Chan” Suguru Takaui, Chad “Monkey” Smith, Daniel “Boner” Tucker, Trent Miller, Lance Scroggins, Scott Beattie, and Lester Taylor.
Honorary pallbearers will be Andy Littlefield, Rob Riden, Joe Martin, Joe Dinicola, Jerry Harris, Greg Wilkerson, and Johnny Godbold.
The Smith family would like to thank each person who took such great care of Joby. You all made a lasting impact on our family.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 775-3403 . Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
