Where there is deep grief, there was great love.
Obituary
Zachary “Zach” Smith
September 11, 1998 – November 16, 2024
Zachary Smith, 26, of Scurry, Texas, passed away on November 16, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
Despite a lifelong battle with Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation (NBIA), Zach’s spirit remained unbroken. He was a testament to resilience, outliving expectations and filling his 26 years with strength and joy.
Zach is survived by his parents, Jeremy Smith and Brandy Clift, who, along with his siblings Tate Smith, Daylon Luburich, and Addie Gallagher, cherished every moment they had with him.
Zachary was adored by his grandparents, Deanna and Howard McKinniss, whose unwavering love and tireless care ensured that he never wanted for anything. They gave their lives to Zach, providing him with a world filled with comfort, joy, and endless support.
Zach was also deeply loved by Lyda Poteet, who became yet another cherished motherly figure when Zach was just 3 years old. Her love and dedication to him created a bond with her that stretched across our entire family.
Zach’s aunt Natalia Bryant also dedicated herself to his care with boundless love. Her compassion and selflessness were a testament to the special bond she shared with him, offering comfort, joy, and unwavering support throughout his life.
Zach shared an incredibly close bond with his younger brother, Tate Smith, who was just 10 months younger. Their connection was inseparable, built on love, trust, and the unique understanding that only brothers can share. Tate often stepped up to help with Zach’s care, embodying a selfless devotion and love that underscored their deep relationship. Together, they created a lifetime of cherished moments, bound by a brotherly bond that will forever remain unbroken.
Zach shared a uniquely special bond with his sister, Addie Gallagher. Together, they celebrated countless milestones, including the extraordinary gift of sharing a birthday. Zach would look at Addie with such admiration, and she often found herself pushing to win at sports or succeed at other challenges because she wanted to do it for him. Their connection was profound, a testament to the unspoken love and inspiration they shared as siblings.
Zach had a special bond with his youngest brother, Daylon Luburich. As a baby, Daylon brought so much joy to Zach, who loved holding him and being close to him. As they grew, they spent countless moments playing together, with Zach finding pure happiness in the sound of his brother’s laughter. Their connection was filled with love and shared joy that will always be remembered.
Zach was a loving uncle to his nephew, Malcolm Gallagher, and niece, Heidi Gallagher. He so loved holding them and he beamed with pride for his sissy.
Close to Zachary’s heart were his cousins, Gavin and Nadia Bryant, along with his many other cousins who loved him dearly. Growing up alongside Gavin and Nadia, their bond was more than family—it was a deep friendship and a source of happiness that Zachary truly cherished.
Zach was also cherished by his paternal grandmother, Deborah ("MeMe") Smith, who shared in his life with love and warmth. His uncle Jacob Smith, Jacob’s wife Jenny, and their children Max, Adam, Zane, and Lilly were a cherished part of Zach’s extended family. Zach was also loved by his great-aunt and great-uncle, Kathy and Charley Hartley, and his great-aunt, Helen Joyce McCurdy, all of whom held a special place in their hearts for him.
The list of family and friends who loved Zachary is too vast to list here. Please show your love and honor his memory by adding to his memory wall below.
“As Zachary’s parents, we will forever be grateful for the sacrifices Zach’s Gammy, Boompa, Lyda, and his Aunt Natalia made and the boundless love they poured into his life—a gift we could never repay.”
—Jeremy & Brandy ♥️
Gallery
Videos
Memory wall
To my beloved Zachadoo
You were more than just a nephew to me—you were a teacher, a guide, and a constant reminder of what truly matters in life. Though words were never your way of communicating, you found countless other ways to show your love, your strength, and your unwavering spirit. Through your struggles, you taught me the power of patience, the depth of compassion, and the quiet courage in the face of adversity.
There was never a moment with you that wasn’t filled with meaning, whether we were sharing laughter, a quiet look, or simply being present in each other’s company. Even in the silence, you spoke volumes, and you helped me see life through a lens of humility and grace that I could never have understood without you.
You sacrificed so much, and yet you always found a way to give, to love, to remind those around you of the beauty in small moments and the importance of connection. Your impact on my life, on all of us, is immeasurable. I carry you with me every day—your strength, your wisdom, and the memory of our time together will forever guide me.
I miss you more than words can express, but I am so grateful for every single moment we shared. Thank you for showing me the kind of love that doesn’t need words, for teaching me to live with purpose and empathy, and for being the bright soul that you were.
With all my love,
Aunt Nonners
He held it so tightly and so often that the paint eventually wore off completely. Even in his sleep, if you tried to take it from his hand, he would wake up and insist on having it back. That little blue car became a part of him, a reminder of his pure, loving spirit and the small things that brought him joy.
I wanted to share this little memory of Zach and his special car. Here’s what it looked like when it was new and how it looks now, worn smooth from all the love he gave it.
I love you baby.. I’ll hang on to your car for you.
♥️Momma
Service
