Sidney Sharp Smith, Jr.

Our loving, honorable, and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Sidney Sharp Smith, Jr., passed away January 14, 2019.  Born July 6, 1928 in Coalville, Utah, he was the oldest son of Sidney Sharp Smith Sr. and Eliza Kathryn Thomas. He graduated from Ogden High School in 1946, whereupon he enlisted in the US Army and became a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. Following his service to his country, he married the love of his life, Shirley J. McCune, March 16, 1951, and had four daughters.

He graduated from Weber College and earned a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) at the University of Utah.  Following retirement, he dedicated his time to serving his fellow man. He and Shirley served in the Canada Halifax and Temple Square missions, as well as two BYU Chinese Language Teaching missions to mainland China. Humanitarians at heart, they spent their time and energy alleviating pain, misery, and suffering wherever they found it, whether close to home or on the other side of the ocean. Serving diligently all his life in many ward and stake callings, he was also a valiant home teacher for over 75 years.  He worked as a volunteer therapist for the Salt Lake City Criminal Justice System Drug Court, and conducted marriage and family classes over the years. His timely advice and wisdom made a difference to all, especially his offspring. Hobbies included poetry, writing, calligraphy, and hiking. Sid published six editions of his life-long collections of beautiful and uplifting poems and verse in his books, In Love with Eloquence and Eloquent Woman, and sent copies to every Federal and State penitentiary library nationwide, various local churches, and welfare agencies. He believed in the innate goodness of mankind, and made friends wherever he went. His crowning achievement, and the source of his greatest joy in life, was his family. He loved the sacred Gospel of Jesus Christ, and demonstrated that love in his treatment of mankind. His humble and grateful nature drew people to him. Best of all, he will be remembered for his warmth, wit, and wisdom.  Preceded in death by his parents and sisters Sarah Renee, Norma Jean, Kaye, Orla, and his brother Glenn.  He is survived by his wife, daughters Susan Burt (Paul), Sandra Nestman (Randy), Sharon Jensen (David), and Shelly Loong (James), 17 outstanding grandchildren who adored him, and 32 great-grandchildren.  Also surviving is a brother, J. Thomas Smith.

Funeral services will be held January 19, 2019 at 11:00 am with a viewing from 9:30 to 10:30 at the LDS church on 165 South 1000 East, Bountiful. Interment at Bountiful City Cemetery, Bountiful.