j Draney Smith Obituary (1935 - 2018)

Our wonderful husband, father, grandpa and great grandpa J Draney Smith passed away August 14, 2018 with his loving family by his side. Draney was born December 20, 1935 in Murray, UT to J Albert and Lucille Draney Smith. He grew up in Midvale UT and graduated as a Beetdigger from Jordan High School with the Class of ’54. He was a talented builder, specializing in Brick Masonry. He married Sondra Fredrickson and they moved into the home he built in Midvale where they’ve spent their 61 years together. Draney enjoyed keeping the yard trimmed and green, and his garden had sculptures of elephants, ducks and cats along with buckets of veggies and flowers. He also enjoyed oil painting and has left a library of beautiful pictures. Draney loved being a Utah fan, never missed attending or listening to the games. Survived by his wife Sondra, and children Katheann and Chuck Jackson, Mike and Miquelle Smith, Lezlee and Larry Huff, Amy and Farmer, Tara and Greg Larson. He was blessed with 24 of the world’s best grandchildren who loved to come to Grandpa’s to “crack his nuts” (walnuts) and “pea” in his garden. He also is blessed with 19 great grandchildren. Also survived by sister Jackie and Larry Jeffries and brother in law Joe Polidori. Preceded in death by parents and sister Juel. Thanks to Summit Health for their hospice care; special thanks and gratitude to hottie Kim and handsome Hector for their loving and compassionate care; they treated him like family. We are holding a “Celebration of his Life” on Friday, August 24, 2018, at his home. We invite friends and family to come between 5 and 7 pm to share a story or picture and a chocolate donut with us. Rest in peace our gentle giant. We love you and “Thanks for Everything”!!!