WHITELAND, INDIANA
Harris Jay Smith passed away at the age of 55 on Monday, January 23, 2023, at his home in Whiteland, Indiana. He was born on September 9, 1967, in Fort Wayne, IN, and adopted by Harris Sr. and Maxine Smith. He grew up in Freemont, IN, and moved to Whiteland in 1992 where he lived for 31 years.
He is survived by his wife, Molly Smith of Whiteland, IN; two sisters, Theresa Miller of Freemont, IN and Jenny Kelsey of Yucaipa, CA; two children, Zachary Smith of Whiteland, IN and Dane Smith of Whiteland, IN. Those who knew him, whether they were listed above or not, will miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Terry Wells.
Jay was a 1985 graduate of Freemont High School and a 1990 graduate of Ball State University where he earned a degree in Criminology. Before graduating from Ball State, he attended Defiance College for 2 years where he played football and was a member of the Theta XI fraternity. Jay served his community as an Indiana State Trooper for nearly 28 years and served as a detective for 10 of those years.
Jay was an avid hunter and fisherman who would always make time for a yearly hunting trip with friends and family in Freemont. He also was a dedicated football fan who made sure to see every Notre Dame and Indianapolis Colts game.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at 1:00pm at Jessen Funeral Home &Simple Cremation ~ Whiteland Chapel with visitation from 11:00am until the funeral hour. Harris will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Greenwood, Indiana.
Arrangements entrusted to Jessen Funeral Home &Simple Cremation. 729 N. US Highway 31, Whiteland, IN 46184. (317) 535-6880. www.jessenfuneralhome.com
