Jeffrey Alexander Smith

Jeffrey Alexander Smith (Jeff) of Mobile, Alabama passed away on January 27, 2024 at the age of 82. He was born on June 2, 1941 in Portsmouth, Virginia where he grew up surrounded by close family, building model rockets, and cultivating his passion for engineering.

Jeff earned a degree in Industrial Engineering from Virginia Tech in 1964 and an MBA from George Washington University in 1972. After graduating college he earned his pilot’s license and went to work for Piper Aircraft in Vero Beach, Florida where he enjoyed flying his loved ones to sunny destinations.

Jeff spent his career as a Science Advisor in the Army’s Night Vision Laboratories at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. After retirement, he taught math at James Sprunt Community College in Kenansville, North Carolina.

Jeff combined his skills in engineering with a passion for woodworking, he crafted beautiful hand-made gifts for his friends and loved ones. Jeff also enjoyed camping, trains, travel, Virginia Tech football games, snorkeling, and swimming in the ocean.

Jeff is preceded in death by his father (Clayton), mother (Barbara), and sister (Suzie).

Jeff is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Claudia, and their blended family of five sons: Alex (wife Cristal, daughters Tina, Maddie, Vanessa, and son Lex), Mark (wife Margaret, daughter Harper), Jason (wife Amber), Tim (wife Julie, daughter Taylor, and son Brayden), and Cullen Bridgers.

In remembrance of Jeff’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the Virginia Tech Online Giving - https://give.vt.edu - and donate to the College of Engineering Annual Fund.