Cecil L. "Jay" Smith Jr.

Cecil L. "Jay" Smith Jr., 67, of Kankakee passed away on July 16, 2022 at his daughter's residence. He was born March 22, 1955 in Kankakee, the son of Cecil Lloyd and Velma (Paraday) Smith Sr. He married JoAnn Miller on November 5, 1977 in Chebanse and she preceded him in death on January 9, 2022. He was also preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Lloyd Smith; one sister, Norma Jean Erzinger; three brothers-in-law, Ralph Sparenberg, Edwin Erzinger and Duane Duby; two sisters-in-law, Patsy Smith and Carol Smith; and one grandson, Cody Frink.

He is survived by one daughter, Bonnie Jo (Ron) Saindon of Chebanse; one son, Curtis F. (Cheryl) Becker of Lake City, FL; five grandchildren, Casey (Levi) Peters of Chebanse, Ashton (Anthony) Windt of Clifton, Molly Saindon of Chebanse, Amber (Adam) Ellis of Mulberry, FL and Kyle (Kari) Frink of San Diego, CA; eleven great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mairion Sparenberg of Dyersburg, TN, Betty (Duane) Tatro of Chebanse and Shirley Duby Harding of St. Anne; one brother, George C. Smith of Kankakee; and several nieces and nephews.

Cecil worked for A.N. Webber for 39 years as a driver and also shop foreman. He also farmed for a brief time. He was a former member of Moose Lodge and River Valley Chapter W. Motorcycle Club. He was on the Otto Twp. Fire Dept. and Kankakee Civil Defense. Cecil loved fishing, hunting, farming and riding his motorcycle.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at Evergreen Cemetery in Chebanse.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

Memorials may be made to Uplifted Care Hospice.

Please share a memory of Jay at knappfuneralhomes.com.