Orval Joseph “OJ” Smith, a master electrician and devoted family man who spent a lifetime building the industrial backbone of America, passed away at the age of 89 in Tampa, Florida. Born in December 10, 1936, near Montgomery, West Virginia, OJ was the son of Orval and Margaret Smith. His early life was defined by the grit of the Appalachian mountains, living in a mud-packed log cabin where his mother scrubbed the walls with lye soap and his father leveled the cookstove with rocks. From a young age, OJ learned the value of hard work, helping his parent’s clear timber by hand and working in his father’s sawmill by the time he was seven years old.
His professional journey was marked by a fascination with flight and technical precision that began when he watched bomber formations fly over his family farm during World War II. This passion led him to the U.S. Air Force in 1955, where he specialized in aircraft instrument repair and autopilots. His career later evolved to include working on Atlas missile systems at Cape Canaveral and managing critical infrastructure for the construction of Walt Disney World. As a licensed electrical contractor and superintendent for companies like Blount Inc. and Rust Engineering, OJ traveled to 17 different states, bringing massive industrial plants and power systems to life.
Despite a life spent on the road, OJ’s greatest priority was his family. He often noted that the constant moves required his family to become each other’s best friends, creating a bond that never wavered. After years of traveling, he and his wife Janet finally settled on Rebecca Lake in Fayetteville, Tennessee. Following Janet’s passing in 2018, OJ moved to South Tampa to live with his son Jeff.
OJ is survived by his sons, Rex Smith and Jeff (Dustie) Smith, and his siblings, Tom Smith, Kitty Hildreth, and Susie Creber. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Janet.
Throughout his 89 years, OJ maintained a lifelong passion for aviation, engineering, and the “crazy lives” of his sons. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity and resilience, having lived a full life characterized by the belief that while he built many things the public would never see, the family he built was what mattered most.
A graveside service will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Higgins Cedar Hills Memorial Gardens, with Bro. Tommy Graham officiating. There will be no visitation prior to the graveside service.
At Higgins Funeral Home, it is our privilege to offer comfort, care, and support to the family of Orval Joseph “OJ” Smith.