Jeffery Smith
Golden Eagle | Save
Jeffery Lynn Smith, 61, passed away peacefully at 6:27 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at his home in Golden Eagle, Illinois, with his wife holding his hand. Born April 7, 1964, in Salem, Indiana, he was the son of Bennie Harrison and Anna Elizabeth (Durnil) Smith Setser.
On September 3, 2012 he married the love of his life, Tammie Lea Rister, she survives. Also surviving is a son, Jesse A Smith of Indianapolis, IN, grandchildren, Devon, Kai, Emilia, Cecilia of North Carolina and Syre of Indianapolis, IN, Sisters, Carolyn Burton of Sebring, FL, and Shirley Bush of Salem, IN. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by a Marine son, Dustin Ryan Rister, his second father, Jesse Setser and two brothers, Jerry Smith and Billy Smith.
Visitation will be from 12 noon until 4pm Saturday, January 17th, 2026 at Gent Funeral Home at 2409 State St in Alton, IL Burial will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St Louis,Mo along side of Marine son, Dustin Ryan Rister Tuesday, April 7, 2026 on his birthday. There will also be a celebration in Campbellsburg, IN Saturday April 11th, 2026 for his Indiana family and friends.
Jeff proudly served in the United States Air Force. After his military service, he worked as a merchandise execution associate for Home Depot, where he was known for his strong work ethic and steady reliability.
Jeffery Lynn Smith lived his life with a full heart and an open hand. To Jeff, family was everything. He loved his wife, Tammie, with a devotion that never wavered. His friends were embraced just as tightly—if Jeff called you “brother,” you were family, and if he called someone “mom” or “dad,” it was said with genuine affection and respect.
Jeff found his greatest peace outdoors. Whether he was mountain biking, hunting, or simply exploring, he believed these moments in nature were his way of connecting with God. Adventure wasn’t just a hobby for Jeff—it was a way of life, and he shared that joy freely with the people he loved.
Everyone who knew Jeff seems to carry a story about an unforgettable day spent with him. His energy, his humor, and his big-hearted presence made it easy to love him. He lived life ahead of schedule—always early, always prepared, always ready to help. If you called, he answered. If there was trouble, he ran toward it, not away. Jeff was steady in a crisis, loyal in friendship, and unwavering in his care for others.
He leaves behind a lifetime of memories, countless stories, and a legacy of love, courage, and adventure. Jeff was a planner, a protector, and a man whose spirit lifted the people around him. His absence will be deeply felt, but his impact will live on in every life he touched.
Having walked through two profound losses, the family kindly asks that memorials for Jeff be directed towards the families needs due to them being off of work for so long also to honor Jeffs memory the family encourages donations to the causes he loved—VFW Post 1308, Mission: American Gratitude, Rodney Cook, Military Riders, Terry Spurgeon, 5A’s Animal Shelter, rather than flowers or memorial items. The greatest comfort to Tammie during this time is the presence of friends and family, whether through a visit, a shared lunch, or simply time spent together.
Additional information and online guestbook may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com
Gent Funeral Home
