About Inductee

Jeff Smith was born in Gulfport, Mississippi, but moved to Huntsville, Alabama, at an early age. He was a multi-sport athlete, participating in football, baseball, and golf at Huntsville High School. On the gridiron, he played quarterback, safety, and handled all of the punting and place kicking duties. He was the Most Valuable Player of the City in 1968 and 1969, and made the All Tri-State (Alabama - Tennessee - Georgia) Team in 1969. The Panthers lost in the state football finals in 1968, and went 9-0 in 1969, but did not receive a playoff berth. Jeff was also a participant in the 1970 North-South All-Star Game in Tuscaloosa. He was a member of the All-City Baseball Squad and he also found time to play on the HHS Golf Team. His football career continued as a Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket who was the starting quarterback on the Freshman Team. Jeff lettered as a safety on the Georgia Tech Varsity Team. As a starter for Georgia Tech in the regular season, he played against a USC team that included Pat Haden, Anthony Davis and Lynn Swann. Later Jeff played in the 1972 Liberty Bowl. He received his B.S. Degree from Georgia Tech and received his M.B.A. from the University of Alabama. Jeff said, "I was fortunate to have outstanding coaches during my developing years as a football player. First, Coach John Childress instilled in me the intensity that is required to succeed at sports. Coach Tom Owen taught all of his players that hard work and sacrifice will provide you the opportunity to be the best player that you can possibly be. Coach Owen's pre-game and halftime pep talks would make the hair on the back of your neck stand on end." Duffy Boles, a former high school teammate, said, "He was Mr. Consistent and earned the respect of his teammates because he was reliable and seemed to never get rattled. Jeff Smith was the ultimate leader. Whatever you could do, he could do better." Tom Owen also praised his leadership and the fact that he was an all-around athlete. "He threw three touchdown passes in the State Finals against Sidney Lanier, yet they rallied to capture the State Championship. The following season he led us to a 9-0 record." said Owens. Jeff is married to the former Carol Dean, and they have a daughter, Carrie, and a son, Jeffrey.