Loy Miller Smith of Sunbury, Ohio passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the tender age of 100 at the Countryview of Sunbury Nursing Facility with his loving family by his side. Loy was born in Lockbourne, Ohio on April 1, 1924, to his parents Orren Durward and Grace Minnie (Miller) Smith. He graduated from Hartford High School in 1942, also earning an Ohio State FFA Degree. He then made a lifelong career for himself as a self-employed farmer. In 1947, Loy married his late wife June Eleanor Dennis and the two would raise 6 children together. Loy is survived by his wife of 22 years Annabelle (Willeke) Smith; son Dale (Angie) Smith; daughters Cathy Breeze, Sally (Tom) Vincent, and Barbara (Geoff) Tucker; step-children Nancy (Lynn), Gary (Teresa), and Scott (Christine); and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Loy is preceded in death by his wife of 54 years June Eleanor Smith; parents Orren Durward and Grace Minnie Smith; daughters Constance Baughman and Vivian Smith; brother Ralph Smith; sister Ruth Solt; sister-in-law Libby Smith; brother-in-law Don Solt; and sons-in-law Walter Breeze and Kieth O’Connell. He will be dearly missed.

Loy was a salt of the earth man. He worked the soil his entire life and brought up his children to do the same. He was a kind and loving father and an even better grandfather. Loy enjoyed teaching kids and spent 35 years as an advisor in 4H. He had a way of speaking to kids with respect and conviction that made them feel valued and eager to listen. He was an avid Ohio State Buckeyes fan, particularly basketball and football. Loy had a gift for cattle husbandry and was involved in the Licking County Holstein Club. He helped his kids show heifers at fairs and competitions, often placing and giving larger outfits a run for their money. In addition to cows, he loved to work with and alongside draft horses. As a farmer, he bid sole loyalty to John Deere tractors.

Loy had a great sense of humor and loved to joke. He was a man of God and expressed his faith by leading by example. He put much of himself into the world to make it a better place for others. He also taught those same people how to continue to nurture the world he touched for the future.

Arrangements were made with Snyder Funeral Homes, DeVore Chapel in Sunbury, Ohio. Friends may call at the funeral home Friday, November 22 from 4 – 7. A funeral ceremony officiated by Pr. Jonathan Bull will take place at the funeral home Saturday, November 23 at 11 followed immediately by a procession to Eastview Cemetery for burial. All are welcome to attend.

A special thanks to the doctors and professionals at Countryview of Sunbury and Mount Carmel Hospice for their care and kindness with Loy in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Loy’s memory to Mount Carmel Hospice (1144 Dublin Rd. Columbus, OH 43215) and/or St. Paul Lutheran Church (4686 E. Walnut St. Westerville, OH 43081) Thank you for your generosity.