Terry I. "Max" Smart, 72

Terry I. “Max” Smart, 72, passed away on June 21, 2021 at Tampa General Hospital after a short illness.

Terry was born in Ridgeland, South Carolina to parents Grover Jerome Sr. and Jewel Reynolds Smart. He has been a proud resident of Lakeland since moving to the area at the age of 11.

Terry served as a firefighter and driver engineer for the Lakeland Fire Department for 47 years, having retired just last year. He currently holds the record for the department’s longest serving firefighter, and has played a major role in the LFD’s growth over the last five decades. A proud U.S. Army veteran, Terry served in both Vietnam and Desert Storm, as well as the Army Reserves for 20 years. He was a beloved mentor to many colleagues and friends, and a devoted advocate for local veterans.

Terry is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Grover “Jerry” Smart Jr., and sister Sharon Smart. He is survived by his wife Michelle Smart, daughter Jennifer (Drew) Peters, son Brian Smart, sister Jewel “Judy” Letchworth, and granddaughter Emily Peters.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 25th from 1 to 2 p.m. at Victory Church in Lakeland (1401 Griffin Road) with the funeral service to begin at 2 p.m.. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Burial Park. Condolences may be sent to the family at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Homes.