Henry “Dennis” Smith, 83, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026, in Fernandina Beach, FL. He was born on January 29, 1943, in Hampton County, SC to the late Hamilton D. Smith and the late Pauline Mixon Smith.Dennis grew up in Beaufort, SC and graduated from Beaufort High School in 1960. He later attended University of South Carolina.

Dennis enjoyed a long and successful career with Van den Bergh Foods before retiring from the company. Following his retirement, he became CEO of the Northern Illinois Food Bank from 1998 to 2011. Under his leadership, the organization expanded the amount of food distributed, increased partner agencies, and grew the number of people served annually.

After retiring from the Northern Illinois Food Bank, Dennis moved to Forsyth, GA where he became an active member of First Baptist Church of Forsyth. He faithfully served the church as a deacon and was also a member of the Kiwanis Club, where he continued his lifelong commitment to serving others.

Dennis later moved to Fernandina Beach, FL where he served as a Deacon at the First Presbyterian Church. Dennis continued to help those in need by volunteering at the Hope House.

Dennis will be remembered for his kindness, leadership, generosity, and unwavering dedication to helping others. He had a warm spirit, a wonderful sense of humor, and a way of making everyone around him feel valued and welcomed. His impact on both his professional and personal communities will not be forgotten.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce A. Smith; his children, Terri Tennille (Michael), Maggie Pico (Tony), Dennis Smith (Venus), Sheri Waddell (Cameron), and Robert Gray (Liliam); his brother, Paul Smith; and nieces, Barbara Southworth (Aric), Tracy Lanese (Brian), and Elizabeth Wooten (Jeff). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Avalee DeLay (Scott), Caroline McKee (Kyle), Ella Smith, Avery Smith (Rachael), Cameron Waddell, Jackson Gray, and Jayden Gray; and his great-grandchildren, who were the light of his life, Betsy DeLay and Graham DeLay.

Services will be held on May 30, 2026, 11:00am, at First Presbyterian Church, 9 North Sixth Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Northern Illinois Food Bank, 273 Dearborn Court, Geneva, IL 60134, or Community Hospice and Palliative Care at Baptist Medical Center Nassau, 1348 South 18th Street, Medical Office B, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.