George SmithIV

Skip, you were such a talented and kind human being......I didnt get to know you until high school, but those were some incredible years back in the 80's.......You always had such a great sense of humor, I dont think anyone could make me laugh as much as you did......We had a close bond through grinding out 4 years in football at EHS and playing the offensive line together.......My memories of the games, road trips, funny comments in the huddle and you knocking the crap out of me and laughing just makes me smile......I dont know if everyone knew how good of an athlete you were back in the day.....You were always humble in nature......

I appreciate you teaching me about music, taking me to my first concert-freshman year and just being a great friend.........One thing that stands out in my mind more than anything was the depth of your intelligence.......We had some great "philosophical talks" back in the day and I will never forget those times......You were an old soul Skip and you shined your light on so many people.....I will never forget you buddy........Your spirit lives on in all of us.......   

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Smith Family.........

Dearest Frank, Judy, Suzy, Sheri, Jennifer, Ben, Grace, and Anna,

 

There are no words to express just how sorry I am for the pain that Skip’s passing brings to each of your lives. You loved him so very much!

I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to get to know Skip. Thank you! I truly admired his genuine honesty and the desire he had to show thoughtfulness to others, even when you knew he wasn’t feeling well himself! Those are rare qualities. I will miss him but I am happy FOR him, because he now has the freedom and serenity he so very much deserves. And Skip, thank you for the ice cream!

 

Love, Pat

Skip's Music - Click here.

One of my earliest memories of my friendship with Skippy was on a school day in the fall of 1973. I was walking home from Muffley school (1st grade).

Then here comes Skippy Smith, riding his bicycle down East Lost Bridge Road.

I turned to him and I said, Hey Skippy! Where are you going?

He turned to me and he said, "I'm going over to your house!"

For many years after, we were close friends. All through grade school, junior high, high school, college years and beyond, Skippy was always in my core group of friends. We played music together, made several recordings in his home studio, enjoyed boating on Lake Decatur and Lake Mendota in Madison, traveled to Las Vegas, and attended many concerts together. We even participated in a computer workshop together as kids back in the late 70's - before anyone had home computers, or even really knew what computers were.

I am greatly saddened by his passing. My heart goes out to his family and friends, and all the people that were touched over the years by his warmth, generosity, and great intelligence.

As a tribute to Skip, I have posted some music on youtube that was recorded in his home studio more than 20 years ago.

http://home.roadrunner.com/~billfrank/skip.html

Frank and Judy,

My love and prayers go out to you and the girls for your tragic loss.  I willl always remember tall, handsome Skip......he was always so quiet or seemed to be when I was around.  Judy, I would like to call you and talk sometime later......I love the time spent with you at Woodland and all.

Love, Kay

Dear Smith Family:  I was very saddened to hear of the passing of your son and brother.  I did not know Skip well but grew up with Sheri and Suzy.  I had heard though that he was a very talented musician and can read from other's messages that he was a very good friend to many.  My thoughts and wishes are with all of you in this time of loss.  I wish for all of you peace and healing. 

Greg Williams

With a heavy heart, I drove into Decatur yesterday.  During the drive, I had time to think about my friend, and the times we had together many years ago.  I thought of the many laughs throughout our school days.  Our times together as neighbors playing in the pool or down at the lake.  The thing I will remember the most, was Skip's ability to always bring a smile to my face.  I am thankful that I have these memories of my friend to keep with me always. Bless his family. 

I was fortunate to play music with Skippy in all of our high school bands. The Scouts and Quickshift were names that only Skippy and those in the band would know, but we had lots of fun making music together.  Skippy had the biggest synthesizer known to man.  Growing up with Skippy was a treat.  He and his family always welcomed you to their home.  The swimming, the boating and adventure you were always on when Skippy was with you made incredible childhood memories.  My heart is sadden with this great loss.  I pray God's comfort and peace be with you in the days ahead. 

 

AB Bennett 

It will be hard for me to imagine a world without Skippy Smith.  I remember traveling in the Smith's station wagon while in grade school (I have no idea where we were going).  It must have been the start of the new school year at Muffley.  Mrs. Smith said to Skip..."What woud you liked to be called this year....George or Skippy?"  Skip replied, "George".  I think that lead her to sign him up as George for that year.  It did not matter what the sign on his desk read...no one called him George....he was always Skippy. 

 

I have known him almost my entire life, for that, I am grateful.  

 

Much love to Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Suzy and Sheri..

 

Linda Kingston Pipkins