Brian Wood Smith died peacefully at home with his loved ones by his side on Saturday, May 2, 2026. He was born February 21, 1954, in Branchville, NJ to Walter S. and Helen (Wood) Smith. Brian graduated from High Point Regional High School in Sussex, NJ in 1972. He attended college at Eastern Kentucky University. Brian was a nomadic spirit, traveling and living many places in the US including Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas.
Brian married the love of his life, Jody Lynn Creek, on January 3, 1986. Together they raised three daughters. Brian and Jody were best friends and lived their best lives until her passing on March 7, 2013. Brian was a steadfast, devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and son. He put his family above all. Brian was an innovative entrepreneur and a skilled woodworker, elevating his craft to the artisan level. Brian was an avid race face and outdoorsman with a unique sense of humor, prioritizing play and travel with his wife and daughters. He also loved reading and collecting books. Later in life, Brian returned to his free spirited ways, roaming the southwest with his RV. He finally settled in Lebanon, IN, to be near his family during his long illness.
Brian is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his brother, Walter Jay Smith. Brian is survived by his daughters: Tracy Creek, Kelly (Nathan) Martin, and Brady Little; his grandchildren: Davey and Ivy Avenatti, Jamie Creek, and Payton and Aaron Turner; his sister, Sharon (Al) Paterno; his nephews: Christopher, Peter, and Timothy Paterno, and their families; sister-in-law Jackie (David) Buttram and family; brother-in-law John (Monica) Miner and family; devoted relatives Marcia and Jeff Harmon; his companion, Doris Ladd; and several cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 2775 N. 700 E., Franklin, IN. Myers Mortuary and Boone County Crematory in Lebanon have been entrusted with his care.
Memorial contributions can be made to Boone County Senior Services Inc. or Casas Por Cristo Mission.
Online condolences: www.MyersMortuary.com