Hayden Heath Smith

Hayden Heath Smith graced this world with his presence on July 24, 2003, and from that day forward he continued on as a force to be reckoned with up until the very last moment on July 15, 2023. He possessed eyes as blue as the ocean, a smile as bright as the sun and laughter so contagious you could not help but join in, even if you didn’t know what he thought was so funny to start with. Everyone blessed enough to cross paths with Hayden will tell you that he had the biggest, kindest heart of anyone you ever met. Hayden loved without limits. He was fiercely loyal. He never met a stranger. And the world as we all knew it while Hayden was here with us will never quite be the same.

Hayden was the indomitable youngest son of Heath and Jenna Smith of Killeen, TX and treasured brother to Zachery Jaggears and wife, Isidra Luna of Leadville, CO, and Alexis Jaggears of Killeen. Hayden was the adored “grandpup” of Patricia and Robert Roten of San Marcos, TX and Barbie and Ray Don Myers of Ozona, TX. He was doted on by his uncle, Jason Shedd and wife, Monica of Odessa, TX and his aunt, Jennipher Winchester and husband, Gerry of McKinney, TX. He is also survived by grandparents Bay and Nathan Kirby of Odessa, TX and Jay Michael Smith of Georgetown, TX. Hayden was cherished by an extensive list of aunts, uncles, cousins and “adopted” moms and dads near and far. And last, but certainly not least, the group of true, close, personal friends that will forever hold this amazing young man in their hearts, is nothing short of humbling.

As the child of an Army veteran, Hayden’s parents often said that he “soldiered” harder than many actual soldiers. He was born at Fort Leonard Wood, MO in 2003 where his father was assigned as a Drill Sergeant. In the next 19 years Hayden crisscrossed the United States from coast to coast for nine military moves with his parents. He would often say that his time in Hawaii and Georgia were his favorites. From Kindergarten at Fort Irwin, CA to the graduating Class of 2021 at Belton High School, Hayden attended nine schools. He ran cross country, served in JROTC, and built friendships that now span the globe.

In 2022 Hayden began forging his own path in life and moved to San Marcos, TX. It was here he spent countless hours eating homecooked meals in his GranPatty’s kitchen, made memories with friends, and began turning his passion for all things cars into a career. Riding in the car with Hayden meant you may be listening to Johnny Cash, Eminem, The Eagles, Tyler Childers, or anything in between – all in one road trip.

Hayden Heath Smith will always be more than the sum of his interests and achievements. He will always be remembered for laughing so hard he would turn blue – even if he was laughing at his own joke. He will always be known for never running out of Will Farrell movie quotes that he could unfailingly apply to any situation. He will always be one of the absolute best things his parents ever did. Honor Hayden by remembering the joy he brought into the world, the love he shared so freely, and the dreams he pursued with such tenacity. His life was a testament to living each moment to the fullest and cherishing the ones we love so please do not forget that lesson.

A service in honor of Hayden’s life will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at 11:30 am at Settles Point Special Event Center, 4120 Stillhouse Lake Road in Harker Heights, TX. Light refreshments will be served in the same location immediately following the service. The family welcomes this opportunity to share the amazing memories of Hayden and spend time with those who loved him the most.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to the animal shelter of your choosing in Hayden’s name. He always had a soft spot for animals especially his sweet puppy Athena who has settled in well at home with Heath and Jenna.