Jeffrey Kent Smith's Obituary
Jeffrey Kent Smith passed away peacefully on November 17, 2022, surrounded by family and friends, following a two-year battle with brain cancer. He was 53 years old.
Jeff was born of his parents, Ann Kiestler (Smith) and Clayton Holec on July 3,1969 in Memphis, Tennessee. Whilst his beginnings were humble, Jeff focused on his education, setting goals, and achieving them. His successes were hard fought and well earned. He never made excuses and persevered. Although his time with us was short, he had a vibrant, action-filled life.
He attended Craigmont High School, graduating in 1987. While there, he served on the student council, and was class treasurer. He participated on both the swim team and the football team. He was involved with the French club, Delta Sigma fraternity, and Mu Alpha Theta, a math honor society.
Jeff earned his bachelor’s in finance from Memphis State University in 1991 followed by a master's in finance in 1995 from University of Memphis. He was voted as Mr. Memphis State along the way. With his scholarships, Jeff worked various jobs as a lifeguard and at the FedEx Hub to make his way through college debt free.
He joined the Kappa Alpha Order (KA) and became Inter-Fraternal Council president while in college. After graduation, Jeff served as Alumnus Advisor for the chapter and was awarded Court of Honor for distinguished KA Alumni.
Jeff began his career at First Tennessee Bank in 1991 and worked his way to Investment Manager where he administered First Tennessee National Bank's mutual fund family.
He transitioned from the bank in 1998 to FedEx in Investor Relations (IR). As a director of IR, he was responsible for institutional investors in the eastern United States and Europe as well as the company's individual investor programs and its award-winning annual report. He twice received the Five Star Award, 2005 and 2008, the highest honor at FedEx for team members who have enhanced service and profitability and exemplified the spirit of teamwork. He was also ranked in the top 3 best IR professionals multiple times by transportation investors in Institutional Investor Magazine. He travelled the globe and will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.
Jeff received many awards and countless accolades. In 2001, he achieved one of the highest distinctions in the investment management profession, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). He served as President of the CFA Society of Memphis from 2006-2007. He earned his Investor Relations Charter in 2017, demonstrating his expertise and his commitment to answering to the highest standards within the profession. He served on the National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI) board of directors from 2018 – 2021 and was inducted as a NIRI fellow in 2022.
He met his wife, Jennifer Roberts (Foley), in 2011. On October 21, 2018, they were married at the historic Cedar Hall. He was a great stepfather to Jennifer’s son, Aiden, instilling his love of learning and the value of hard work. In 2020, he became “dad” to Whiskey and Nola, his beloved kitties, who made many surprise appearances in his virtual conferences.
Jeff was a season ticket holder for the University of Memphis Tigers and the Tennessee Titans football (always their 12th man). He would often take Fridays off to join Uncle Al on the golf course, another of his passions. He was an avid comic book collector and key trivia night team player. Jeff was brilliant, knowing “almost everything about everything” – History, Sports, 80’s Music, and Politics to name a few.
Jeff attended Hope Presbyterian Church in Memphis, TN. He had a big heart, ever vigilant in giving time and donations to his charitable causes such as St. Jude, FedEx Family House, Cancer Card Exchange, and American Heart Association. He served on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters and was honored to mentor Justin, his little brother of the program.
Intensely loyal, Jeff loved his friends and family completely. He made the time to show up for everyone, providing caring, trustworthy, and sound advice. Knowing Jeff was always an adventure. To say he was the life of the party is an understatement.
Jeffrey was predeceased by his father, Clayton Holec, and grandparents, Kent and Edna Wright Smith of Henderson, TN. He is survived by mother, Ann Kiestler, wife, Jennifer Smith, stepson, Aiden Roberts, half-brother, Clayton “Sport” Holec Jr., and half-sister, Kim Holec.
A Celebration of Life will be held on December 18, 2022, at Cedar Hall, 3712 Broadway Rd, Memphis, TN 38135. Open House Reception from 2pm to 5pm with Remembrance Ceremony at 3pm. Family and friends are invited to come and share fond memories and stories.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, Jeff asked for donations to St. Jude, as no child should suffer through cancer. The Jeffrey Smith Memorial Fund for St. Jude was setup in his honor.
A Graveside inurnment will be held Friday July 21, 2023, at 10:00am at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery.
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