Caryl Smith

On March 11, 2025, shortly after sunrise, Caryl Smith departed peacefully. He was at home surrounded by loved ones. Born April 22, 1957, in Greenfield, Indiana, Caryl was the son of E. Marcus Smith and Norma Jean (Jeffries) Smith. He is survived by the love of his life, Juli (Robinson) Smith; two sons, Adam (Danielle) Smith and Jesse (Kimberly) Smith; and two grandchildren, Kirstin Smith and Braxton Draper. 

Caryl and Juli were high school sweethearts. They quickly became and always remained best friends, sharing a beautifully blessed marriage for 47 years. Caryl loved his family. His first priority was to care and provide for them. He was proud of his sons and the lives they live; now they carry forward the legacy Caryl planted.

Caryl and Juli moved from Wilkinson, Indiana to the Sonoran Desert near Amado, Arizona to pursue their dreams. He was a retired life-long farmer who fell in love with the desert during his travels throughout the West. He called their place near Amado “The Last Stop Ranch,” feeling at home at first sight.

He was an avid walker from a young age, exploring the woods surrounding his family farm. The solitude in nature always brought him peace. He walked many miles during his lifetime, observing the beauty that surrounded him. Caryl preferred to travel off the beaten path with his wife. He was always up for an adventure and exploring remote areas. He loved road trips across the U.S., with his ride of choice being his Jeep. He favored the Sonoran Desert, the mountains, and the big blue skies. Caryl lived most of his life outdoors.

Caryl had many interests and was very talented. He loved music, picking up the guitar at a young age. He spent many peaceful evenings on his porch, picking stringed instruments and singing purely for his own enjoyment. Caryl always had a melody in mind, which he brought to life on his guitar. He was also an avid reader with a keen interest in astronomy, physics, and science in general.

He loved working in his shop, preferring to work with metal. A talented welder, Caryl was handy both with repairs and in creating sculptures with his wife to implement her artistic visions. He could fix anything. Caryl viewed every challenge with an open mind, steadily and surely arriving at a solution time and time again.

Caryl had key attributes that impacted others during his earthly journey. With his calm demeanor, he approached life humbly, never drawing attention to himself. Caryl lived honestly, instilling in his sons that “You might as well start at the truth because that is where we will end up.” He was also loyal, kind, and accepting of others. An engaging storyteller, he enjoyed wit and humor.

Through adversity, Caryl was resilient and never complained. His family is forever grateful that he peacefully spread his wings, soaring high to begin his heavenly journey. Caryl’s physical presence on earth is sadly missed, but he has left an imprint for life on those who loved him. Caryl is free, once and for all. 

There will be a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please consider doing a random act of kindness in Caryl’s honor. His family is thankful for all friends and family who have supported them through this heartbreaking journey.