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Obituary for QUENTIN L. SMITH, JR.
Quentin L Smith, Jr., affectionately known to many as QJ or Q, was born in Prince George's County, Maryland on February 4, 1969 to the late Quentin Leon Smith, Sr. and Linda Ray Smith. Quentin passed from this life into eternal life with the Lord on October 8, 2021 in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Quentin was educated in the Calvert County Public School system. He received his diploma from Northern High School in June of 1987 where he also played basketball and baseball. In later years, Quentin furthered his education in Mortuary Science at the University of District of Columbia. He dabbled in culinary arts via his Auntie Joyce, who encouraged his love for cuisine. While he did not pursue a full-time career in either field, he often assisted funeral directors in the local area. QJ ultimately found adventure in driving big rigs, charter, and school buses all over the country. He held several jobs in this field with Quickway Transport, Spriggs Bus Service, and most recently with TransForce. He treasured being on the road and wherever he roamed he made lifelong friends, both young and old. He enjoyed bussing students to and from games and was always willing to transport family and friends on road trips anywhere around the country.
QJ was raised Methodist and attended Mt Hope United Methodist Church. He later became a Jehovah’s Witness. His beliefs and spirituality was his own. QJ was a firm believer in Jesus Christ. He openly gave praise and thanks to Him for guiding him through obstacles and challenges he faced. "Hallelujah, thank you Jesus” was a phrase he uttered often. There was never shame in testifying to the goodness of Jesus Christ for all He had done for him.
QJ was a man of many talents and showed a great interest in sports early on. While he loved basketball and football, he was passionate about baseball. Baseball was in his blood and the nucleus around which his life revolved. QJ was number 33. He played baseball from the young age of three until his untimely passing. Some may be aware that QJ prepared to try out for the Pittsburgh Pirates, but that dream went unfulfilled due to an injury before tryouts commenced. Throughout the last 40+ years, QJ played for numerous local teams: Owings Eagles, Tracy Twins, Chesapeake Stars, and various teams in different leagues throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Most recently, QJ played for the Drury Giants. He was their strong-armed back catcher for many years. Catching is what he was known for. He mastered the art of being a catcher and had a knack for controlling the rhythm and pace of the game and intelligently interacting with his teammates on the field. QJ loved his baseball family beyond measure and always looked forward to spending time on and off the field with his team. He selflessly shared his love for baseball with many, but most notably with his young cousin Drayvon Estep. He took Drayvon under his wings and mentored and trained him in preparation to be a talented back catcher just like he was. Drayvon will carry the torch passed on to him and QJ will be watching from Heaven.
Second to baseball, QJ had a myriad of hobbies. He was a skillful and creative barber (like his father) and traveled near and far to serve his clientele. QJ loved animals, he was a lifelong lover of horses and dogs. We know he will be greeted in the spirit world by his cherished horse, Shadow and his beloved Rottweiler, Ava. QJ was a seeker of knowledge, specifically African American and Black American heritage and history. He was an amazing storyteller and conversationalist and loved to talk about the subjects he held dear. One always learned something new in conversation with QJ. Those closest to him knew he idolized Prince, The Artist. He was infatuated with his music and mesmerized by his legendary sound and versatile talent. Music played an influential role in QJ’s life. He had an unmatched ear and heart for music and even promoted local talent. On rare occasions, QJ graced us with the beautiful pitch and tone of his singing voice. QJ flew off on bright wings but up above our heads, we still hear music in the air.
QJ prioritized family. His roots run deep in Calvert County, Maryland but he ventured all over the country to spend time with family. His mother Linda was his heart and his dinner guest every time he had the opportunity to treat her. QJ shared a deep bond with his younger brother, Christopher, and would do anything to protect him. He cherished his friends and had many. QJ loved everyone and everyone loved him. His friend group included people of all ages with different backgrounds and life experiences. He was loyal with a distinguished smile that would greet you at every event, reunion, cookout, or party. QJ was passionate and quite outspoken. He was steadfast in his beliefs and always stood by his words. QJ was salt of the earth with a heart of gold. He will always be remembered for his warm presence, authentic conversations, and calm disposition. He was an old soul who was deeply empathic. QJ will be terribly missed. He made everyone laugh and think he will live on in those of who were lucky enough to know and love him.
QJ was preceded in death and will now reunite with his dad, Quentin Smith, Sr.; his grandparents, Harold and Ruth Smith and Josephine and Calvert Ray; and stepdaughter, Hazel Scarlett Ruiz. He leaves to cherish his memories, his mother, Linda Ray Smith; brothers, Christopher and Clifton (Octavia) Smith; his devoted fiancé of 22 years, Marjan Sadozai; his nephew, Dorien Smith; his aunt, Joyce (Tony) Skippers, his uncle, Harold Smith, Jr.; his very special cousin, Lavonne Smith; his special friends that were like brothers, Delwin Clarke, Dewayne Contee, Kirk Cook, Reggie Powell, DeCarlo Smith, and Neal Spriggs; an extremely special cousin, Dalerie Beard and a host of other extended relatives and friends.
