J Bradford Smith

J Bradford Smith passed away at his home on February 10, 2021, at the age of 68. He was born February 6, 1953 in Provo, Utah to Marvin and Lois Smith. He was a sweet addition to his two sisters, Barbara and Marva.

He attended schools Bountiful and graduated in 1971. He went on to obtain two Bachelors degrees from the University of Utah, in English and Computer Science.

He was extremely talented in computer science and was instrumental in launching the first Family Search website for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He worked with many big companies throughout his career, including IBM, Weyerhaeuser, and Wells Fargo.

He was very musically talented and loved to play the guitar and piano. He was a life-long Beach Boys fan. He loved playing sports in High School, including football, swimming, golf, and tennis. In his 50’s he earned his third degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and Mantis. He loved target shooting and was very good at it. He also loved to write songs and poems.

Brad married Elizabeth Redford on February 28, 1980. They had five children, Sean, James, Samuel, Daniel, and Hannah. He absolutely loved being a dad. Brad and Elizabeth eventually divorced.

In 2003 Brad married Valorie Reneau in Monarch, Montana. They were later sealed for time and eternity in the Bountiful, Utah LDS temple. When Brad married Valorie, he also gained four more children, Maggie, Katie, Michael, and Rebecca, who loved him dearly. Valorie and Brad loved singing to music in the car, spending time in Midway, Utah, and Mesquite, Nevada. They love laughing about all the funny things their children and grandchildren did. They shared many fun times together. Brad would selflessly accompany his wife to mall and carry her bags for her as long as she promised him Sbarro pizza. He loved spending time with his kids and grandkids. He will be missed more than he would have ever imagined.

He was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved the gospel and the scriptures. He was always available to give blessings when asked. Out of all the callings he had in the church, his favorites were teaching primary and Sunday school to children and young adults.

He is survived by his sweet wife, Valorie, his children Sean (Silipa), Jim (Deb), Samuel, Daniel, Hannah (Daniel), and step-children Maggie, Katie (Jeff), Michael, and Rebecca, and 21 grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Marva (Doug) Corso.

He is preceded in death by his father, mother, infant brother Jack Bryan, and his sister Barbara.

There will be a viewing on February 19th from 6pm-8pm at Russon Mortuary, 295 N Main Street in Bountiful. A funeral will be held the following day, February 20th at 11:00am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse, 115 E Wicker Lane in Bountiful.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to those people who have reached out and given their condolences, and who have dropped off food, and flowers. Your kindness is appreciated.

To Brad from Valorie, “Honey, I will miss you every day until we meet again.”