Douglas Smith

Douglas "Doug" Smith — Smitty to nearly everyone who knew him — passed away on June 2, 2026, after a courageous battle. He was 73 years old. Born December 12, 1952, with deep Indiana roots, Doug was a devoted husband, proud father, beloved Grandad, fierce competitor, and a friend whose quick wit and infectious laugh you never forgot.

A Love Story, Fifty Years in the MakingCyndi first fell in love with Doug and his laugh in seventh grade, though the universe made them wait until 1975 for true love to fully play out. They married in Brownsburg — in what family fondly recalls as the fastest wedding ceremony ever performed — and built nearly fifty years of partnership, laughter, and love. Doug would have celebrated their 50th anniversary with Cyndi on October 30, 2026.

The Midnight Move That Made HistoryIn 1984, Doug played an instrumental role in one of professional football's most storied moments — coordinating the midnight relocation of the Baltimore Colts to Indianapolis with 17 Mayflower trucks. Doug loved every telling of that story for the rest of his life.

A Competitor to the CoreA lifelong athlete, Doug played basketball well into his life — a creative left-handed guard at 5'7" who found ways to compete against taller opponents. He was a devoted fan of the Indiana Hoosiers and the Indianapolis Colts, celebrating the highs, enduring the lows, and never once losing faith that next season would be the one.

Watching a game with Doug was an event in and of itself. His boisterous fandom filled every corner of the room and never let up. He celebrated every high and suffered every low as if the outcome were personal — because to him, it was. He cheered like every play mattered, and a room with Doug and a game on was never just background noise.

The Wit, The Laugh, The StoriesThose who knew Doug will never forget his quick wit, infectious charm, and that laugh. His sense of humor was one of his greatest gifts. He loved quoting classic movies and television shows, often leaving younger listeners bewildered and smiling all at once. Even during his final hospital stay, he kept the nurses laughing and guessing with lines from another era — reassuring everyone around him that Smitty was still very much himself, right up until the end.

His Greatest Title: GrandadAbove all else, Doug loved his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Cyndi Smith; his loving children, Lauren Humphrey and Ryan Smith; his son-in-law, Adam Humphrey; and daughter-in-law, Theresa Smith; and his cherished grandchildren: Grayson, Mia, Sage, Hudson, Mason, and Carter. Being Grandad brought him a joy that words can hardly measure. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Mary Kay Smith; and sister, Alexis Kay Smith-Wilson.

His family takes comfort knowing Doug left this world on his own terms, surrounded by love. As those closest to him said throughout his fight — he was Smitty Strong.

"My favorite thing about Doug was his laugh. After nearly 50 years of marriage, I still loved hearing it every day. He was my best friend, my partner, and the love of my life. I will love him forever."— CyndiMe and you, and you and me.Fifty years. A lifetime of laughter. A love that never wavered."I love my Smitty forever."