George Terry Smith

It is with great sadness that our beloved Terry passed away unexpectedly at his home after complications related to diabetes. He was the son of Alta and George Smith. Born in Dayton, Ohio. Terry married Jody Moffitt on June 1, 2010. He joined the Air Force in December 1973, rising through the ranks as a Senior Master sergeant and Superintendent of field repair teams worldwide until his retirement in 1994. 

Terry spent 10 years of his 21-year military tenure in Panama, where he loved the country. He learned fluent Spanish and trained Latin American and United States personnel as a bilingual instructor. 

He was an avid musician, honing his musical talent from his teen years to his passing. Although not formally trained, Terry was never without his guitar. Learning the guitar by ear as a teen, he was obsessed with music, always reaching for the perfect tone. While stationed in Panama, he established a band that played for the troops each night after his military duties for the Army and Air Force personnel. He often laughed and said he became a rock star during this time. With tears in his eyes, all US military forces departed Panama, where he had orders to Utah. Once in Utah, he completed his 21 years with the Air Force and moved to the civilian world, working for American Express, quickly increasing his position to Manager of Compliance. While working in the corporate world, He continued to play music and develop his talent, always working on his craft while working in numerous bands and establishing lifelong friendships. After completing another 20 years with American Express, he took a year off. He decided to apply to the Veterans Benefits Administration, where his skills as a previous compliance officer and veteran assisted thousands of veterans over the past few years as a misuse analyst. 

Terry’s wife and family were very proud of his numerous accomplishments. He was an unbelievable talent. We will miss him walking around the house playing his guitar, watching hours of YouTube guitar videos, going to his shows, and watching him play in his most recent endeavor, the Carpenters Platinum Tribute band. His spirit was always whole after each show, and he hoped the audience would walk away with a memorable evening. 

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Alta and George. He is survived by his spouse, Jody, son Marshall Dylan Moore, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. 

The family asks that you take in a concert of your favorite band this summer. 

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 11am at Russon Mortuary, 1941 North Main Street, Farmington, Utah. A short visitation will precede the service from 10:30-11am.