Submit a PhotoEric John Smith, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026, at Beehive Homes in Gilbert, Arizona. He was 79 years old.
Eric was born on November 27, 1946, in Phoenix, Arizona, and was welcomed into the family of Rudger and LaPriel Smith—a family he was immensely proud to be a part of.
As a young man, Eric faithfully served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints in the Southeast Mexican Mission. Following his mission, he continued his education at Brigham Young University, where he earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. One of his proudest moments at BYU was winning a slide rule competition.
Eric often joked that he got everything he ever needed out of Sunday School one Sunday in Cleveland, because it was there that he met Janet Greaves, the love of his life. They were sealed for time and all eternity on January 29, 1971, in the Logan Utah Temple—a commitment that became the foundation of their family and faith. Eric and Janet built a life together that took them to Arizona, California, and Iowa before ultimately returning to Phoenix, the place they would forever call home. There, they raised their five children—Laurie, Todd, Doug, Eric, and Kevin—and built a legacy grounded in devotion, love, and service.
Eric devoted countless hours to serving his community and church. He volunteered in Scouting at both the troop and district levels, served in various positions within the Arizona Section of ASME, and served faithfully in the Mesa and Phoenix Temples. His steady leadership, compassion, and willingness to serve left a lasting impact on all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudger and LaPriel Smith; his stepmothers Pearlyne and Grace, his siblings Grant, Margaret, Diana, and Steven; and his son Todd.
Eric leaves behind his cherished wife, Janet; children Laurie (Michael) Tifft, Douglas (Stacy), Eric (Lindsay), and Kevin (Laura); daughter‑in‑law, Mendy (Shawn) Henry; siblings Clayn, Lisa, Jonelle, Jeffery, Stephanie, Allen, Ray, Terry; 23 grandchildren; and 4 great‑grandchildren—all of whom he loved deeply and who brought him immense joy.
Funeral Services – January 31, 2026
Location
11650 North 35th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85029
Viewing: 10:00 AM
Funeral Service: 11:30 AM
Interment
Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery
719 N 27th Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85009
Graveside Service: 2:00 PM
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Service Location
he was a good man and will be missed
What a beautiful tribute! I remember meeting Eric during Thanksgiving at his daughter Laurie‘s house. We had a great conversation and he took us out to his vehicle to show us all the different guns he had in his trunk! It was a good time with good memories. Our condolences to the family and all who loved him.
Such a fitting obituary for our good cousin Eric
What a special family to honor a wonderful father! I love the picture and smile on his face – how he must look today as he watches over you who he loves! Along with you, we will greatly miss him.