Peter E. Smith Jr. Of The Shinnecock Indian Nation, Dies December 31

Peter E. Smith Jr., affectionately called “PJ,” “Goose,” “J.U.ICE,” and “Geehonk,” died December 31, 2019, surrounded by his family, at Stony Brook University Hospital. He was 39.

Mr. Smith was born in Southampton on May 20, 1980, to Diane Smith and the late Peter E. Smith. He was raised on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation and attended Southampton High School, graduating in 1998. He went on to study at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York and graduated in 2003 with a degree in criminal justice.

At a young age, he developed a love for duck hunting with his father and brothers. In 2010, he married his high school sweetheart, Lindsay Stevens, whom he called the love of his life. He loved spending time with his kids and traveling with his family, whether it was going to his niece’s or nephew’s basketball games or just taking family vacations. He was a staple at the Shinnecock Powwow, where he loved to watch his daughter “fancy shawl” dance. He also enjoyed the casinos, especially playing his favorite game, Blackjack.

He also loved being on a dance floor. He was an avid New York Jets fan who looked forward to watching the Jets on Sundays. He always said, “It’s hard being a Jets fan!”

Mr. Smith managed the family business, BNB Tobacco Products Incorporated, for many years. Survivors said customers enjoyed talking to him and hearing his jokes. He made sure all the customers were greeted with kindness and he will be remembered for his friendliness and the happiness he brought to others.

Survivors said he was known for his quick wit, a sense of humor, his infectious smile, and his kind and compassionate spirit. He was a free spirit who loved having conversations with others.

Mr. Smith was predeceased by his father, Peter E. Smith; grandfathers, Avery Dennis Sr. and Elmer Smith; nephew Brian Bess Jr.; and sister-in-law Josette Bess. He is survived by his wife, Lindsay Smith; children, TyAsia, Ryan, and Mackenzie Jo; goddaughter Paris L. Hodges; mother Diane Smith; and grandmothers, Dorothy Dennis and Shirley Smith. His mother-in-law, Laverne Ward, and father-in-law, Herman Lamison, also survive, as well as his sister, Tonya Bess-Hodges; and brothers, Brian Bess and Ethan Smith; brother-in-law Paris Hodges; three sisters-in-law, Maya Jones, Batya Smith, and Yasmine Lamison. His dog, Meko Spirit, also survives him. He has a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives of the Shinnecock Indian Nation, and friends who also survive.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton.