With hearts broken by the loss of our beloved Peyton, Dennis and Marya Smith share that their son, Peyton Smith, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. Peyton was 29 years old.

Born on July 16, 1997, in Carbondale, Illinois, Peyton was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. He was the son of Dennis and Marya Smith.

Peyton lived life big. He loved deeply, laughed freely, and was always ready to give a great big hug or tease someone he loved. He was big-hearted, a defender of those he cared about, and a devoted friend. His smile had a way of lighting up every room he entered, and his presence made people feel loved, welcomed, and never quite safe from a little good-natured teasing.

Peyton loved wrestling, all things Star Wars and Harry Potter, and the many interests that made him uniquely himself. But more than anything, Peyton loved his people. His hugs, his smile, his humor, and his fierce loyalty will remain treasured memories for all who knew him.

On June 8, 2025, Peyton’s life changed following a devastating accident. The fifteen months that followed brought challenges no family should ever have to face. Through hospital stays, rehabilitation, illness, uncertainty, and the long days of caregiving, Peyton was surrounded by extraordinary love. His family walked beside him every step of the way, holding tightly to hope, faith, and the belief that every moment with him was a gift. Special thanks to MUSC, The Shepherd Center, and Family Hospice.

In his final days, Peyton was surrounded by love, stories, singing, prayer, and the people who mattered most. Our family is deeply grateful for every person who prayed, visited, encouraged, cared for, gave, and walked this journey with us. The love shown to Peyton and our family has been a beautiful reminder that we are never meant to carry sorrow alone.

While our hearts are filled with grief, we take comfort in knowing that Peyton is now made whole and rests in the presence of his Heavenly Father and Lord and Savior. We will miss him more than words can express, but we will carry his love, his laughter, and his beautiful, unforgettable smile with us always.

Peyton is survived by his parents, Dennis and Marya Smith; his brothers and sister, Reggie Scott Smith and Cody Carson and Heaven Smith, Amy Joann Baker; his niece and nephews, Brittney Wright, Shayden Smith, and Forest Wright; his aunts and uncles, Joelle and Matt Morris, Richard (Chad) Simpson, Denise and John Brink, Darin Smith, and Bill and Vickie Simpson; and his cousins, Hali, Katelyn, Amelia, Rachel, Willis, Savannah, Liam, Damian, and Christopher.

He also leaves behind his special brothers and lifelong friends, Kruz Hayes, Drew Frailey, and Seth McFarland, along with countless friends whose lives were made brighter by knowing him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time.