Ariail Randy Smith, 82, passed away peacefully at his home in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on September 26, 2026, after a short battle with lung cancer.

Born in 1944 to Herbert Benjamin Smith and Eulee Kirby Smith, Ariail was raised in a humble South Carolina farm family that was deeply rich in faith, love, and shared values. From an early age, he learned the importance of hard work and perseverance—qualities that remained central to his life.

Ariail built a long and highly respected career in the steel industry. His work brought him from South Carolina to Indiana, where he worked for Vulcraft and Nucor Fastner. During a career that took him to West Virginia and Nevada, Ariail was instrumental in establishing steel mills across the country. He retired in 2009 from New Millennium Building Systems after a 47-year career.

Ariail’s life was marked by resilience, determination, and personal growth. He had a lighthearted sense of humor and a special ability to bring laughter into a room or lighten the mood when it was needed most. He also believed in quietly helping others and extending charity to those in need without seeking recognition.

As a member of Leo Methodist Church for over 20 years, his faith was an important part of Ariail’s life. He was a faithful reader of the Bible and found strength and guidance in the Word. Fondly known by many as “the cat whisperer,” Ariail had a special fondness for cats. He also enjoyed sharing the abundance from his garden with others, fishing, and watching NASCAR.

Ariail is survived by his wife of 36 years, Cheryl L. Smith; his children, Cynthia (Jack) Parker, Marinda (Jerry) Wiseman, Crystal (Phillip) Bell, Garrett Smith, and Julia (Charlie) Gorney; and his stepdaughter, Ronda (Tim) Harris.

He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Bree Gordon, Tim Woodward, Brandon Woodward, Brittney Johnson, Thomas Bush, Austin Stanley, Ethan Harris, and Andrew Harris; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Ariail is further survived by his sisters, Linda Williamson, Brooks Jackson, and Nita Yarborough (Burnett).

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Danny Smith, Reynolds Smith, and H.B. Smith; his sisters, Rounette Belue, Catherine Duke, Dell Prosser, and Janie Knight; and his granddaughter, Ciara Smith.

Ariail’s strength, perseverance, humor, faith, and love for his family will live on through those who knew and loved him. Although he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing that he is now at peace.

The viewing will be held Friday, October 2, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until noon at Leo Methodist Church, 13527 Leo Road, Leo, Indiana 46765. The funeral service will begin at noon, with a luncheon immediately following. Flowers may be sent directly to Leo Methodist Church at the address above.

Memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse or The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.