Mr. Jason Ramsey Smith, 35, formerly of Durham, passed October 1, 2021 at his home in Asheville, North Carolina.

A Public Viewing will be held Saturday, October 9, 2021 from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm at American Cremation & Funeral Service.

Jason Ramsey Smith was born on June 23, 1986 in Durham, North Carolina. Jason loved life and he loved being with people. He enjoyed music of all kinds, as well as attending and participating in live theatre. During his early years, he played guitar and piano, but the piano really captured his heart. He wrote several songs, funny limericks, and performed at various musical recitals. He enjoyed traveling throughout the US with his family, relatives and friends.

After graduating from high school in 2004, Jason studied at Alamance Community College in Burlington, North Carolina. He received a computer networking certificate. He enjoyed phone sales, installing and networking computers and entertainment equipment for private residences, as well as for professional businesses in the Triangle area.

After moving to Asheville, North Carolina, an opportunity arose for Jason to take an intense 2-day class to learn vital skills in the hotel industry. He received a “Guest Service Gold Certificate” from the American Hotel & Lodging Association through Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College.

Jason had an outgoing and gregarious personality. After working in one hotel, he discovered he really enjoyed the hotel industry. It pleased him greatly to welcome guests and provide the best service possible during their stay. He received many favorable comments that guests posted online regarding “Jason, the front desk clerk”. One hotel responsibility Jason had was to prepare and display “free breakfast” foods for guests. He once shared a smiling photo of himself placing frozen chocolate chip cookies on a tray and called himself “Jason, the Pillsbury Dough Boy”.

Like Timothy in the Bible, Jason was taught from infancy to read and appreciate the Bible and its teachings. When he was young, he often talked to people about Jehovah God and about his Bible beliefs. He had many hopes and dreams. But Jason always held out hope that one day those unfilled dreams would become reality. Jason believed that Jehovah God does not forget those who fall asleep in death. He strongly believed in God’s promise at John 5:28, 29 where it says “all those in the memorial tombs (or graves) will hear his voice and come out”. Those who fall asleep in death will have another opportunity to enjoy life in a beautiful paradise earth and problem-free world. Jason strongly and sincerely believed those promises and continued sharing them throughout his life.

Jason touched the hearts of many people. His death leaves a hole in the hearts of those who dearly loved him. He is survived by his parents, Daryl and Celestine Smith (Durham, NC); his grandmother Edna Smith (Durham, NC); his aunts and uncles: Lois Clayton, Gattis and Alice Ramsey, Charles and Sally Ramsey, Delores Ramsey (Rougemont, NC); James and Shirley McRae, Louise White, Dorsey Dwayne and Nancy Ramsey (Durham, NC); Viola Sharpe and Imogene Jones (Winston-Salem, NC); Diane and Joe Webster (Chapel Hill, NC); Donnell and Susan Ramsey (Siler City, NC), and Roger and Sabrina Ramsey (Cary, NC). He is also survived by his great aunts and uncles: Sam and Sally Chavis (Rougemont, NC), Hallie Ramsey Breeze (Roxboro, NC); Mary Carpenter, Joseph and Delores Carpenter (Wilmington, NC); a very special friend, Hope Ridener. Many cousins, relatives, and close friends will miss Jason as well.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to NAMI North Carolina, 309 W. Millbrook Rd., Suite 121, Raleigh, NC 27609-4394. NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, provides support for individuals and families of anyone struggling with mental illness.