Matthew Smith Jr. of Southampton died February 1 at the Hamptons Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing. He was 59.
Mr. Smith was born in Southampton on January 29, 1956, to Mayhew Smith, who predeceased him, and Helen Gaskin Smith. Graduating in 1977, he attended the Southampton public schools, where he was an accomplished athlete, especially showing his skill as a member of the basketball team. He attended Suffolk Community College’s culinary school in 2000, and worked several jobs while he was in good health, including time as a cook at Southampton College, as well as a handyman who used his talent to help many.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church under the leadership of the Reverend Albert Brown.
Affectionately known as “Zulu,” “Zu,” and “Buddy,” he had a profound love for life, his family and friends, survivors said, adding that he had a heart of gold.
In addition to his father, he was predeceased by a brother, David Smith Sr. He is survived by his mother; three daughters, Rahnesia “Rahni” Smith of Shirley, Rahshell “Shakey” Smith Gamble and husband Charlie of Calverton, and Racquel “Kelly” Smith of North Carolina; a son, Erick Smith of Mastic; four sisters, Rena Smalls and husband Robert, Dorothy Marie Pender and husband Benjamin, and Teresa Mims and husband Bobby, all of Southampton, and Virginia Banks and husband Roy of Connecticut; a brother, Jeffery Smith and wife Donna of Riverhead; 13 grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, including Ernest Murphy Sr.
A viewing took place February 6 at Community Baptist Church in Southampton, followed by a funeral service officiated by the Reverend Donald E. Butler. Interment was at Southampton Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton.
on Feb 9, 2015