Jared Wayne Smith

SHREVEPORT, LA - Jared Wayne Smith, 18, was born December 4, 1997 in Shreveport, LA to Jeff and Cheryl Smith, and entered eternal rest on January 1, 2016. He was a senior at Caddo Magnet High School where he enjoyed exploring varied interests and participating in activities such as gymnastics, band, debate team, Future Business Leaders of America and Red Cross. He was an avid reader from an early age, who was passionate about learning and was constantly involved in self-study, frequently watching videos of college lectures. He loved philosophy and all sciences, having a particular affinity for biology. He was eager to attend college in preparation for medical school. Jared loved listening to multiple genres of music, and played several musical instruments. He was viewed as a big-brother figure by many of his peers, and is described as a compassionate, empathetic friend who cared immensely for others. He had a heart for serving others in many ways, with a particular interest in addressing hunger. He had a respect for all people and all cultures, with an utmost desire that all people be treated equally and be free to live as they wish.Jared was a beautiful, caring soul with an exceptional intellect, wicked sense of humor, sparkling blue eyes and a mischievous grin. He will be missed by family and friends more than words can express. Preceding him in death are his maternal great-grandparents Algar and Lois Austin, and Frank and Juanita Racine; and paternal grandfather Charles Smith. Jared is survived by his parents, Shreveport Fire Department Captain Jeff and Dr. Cheryl Smith, sister Cherie Groninger and husband Luke, sister Cierra Smith, brother Jeremy Smith, maternal grandparents Harold (Buster) and Yvonne Austin, paternal grandmother Gladys Smith, nephew Hudson Groninger and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Pallbearers will be Jeremy Smith, Harold (Buster) Austin, Harold E. Austin, Jr., Luke Groninger, Robert Alcorn, and Aven Aguillard. Honorary pallbearers will be Hayden Brandhurst, Ashton Bruce, David Hartgrove,Abdul Ibrahim, Ethan Manco, Jack Perkins, Jack Taunton and Connor Zittrauer. His family has been deeply moved by the amazing outpouring of love and support from family and friends, the Shreveport Fire Department, and the medical community, as well as interactions with several of his closest friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the charity of your choice. The family will receive friends Thursday, January 7, 2016 from 5-7 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Dr., Shreveport, LA. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 8, 2016 at 10 a.m. at Rose-Neath Southside Chapel with Tom Moore officiating. Interment will follow at Rose-Neath Cemetery in Bossier City, LA.