In Memory of

Burton

Joseph

"B.J."

Smith

Obituary for Burton Joseph "B.J." Smith

B.J. Smith,

age 76, died suddenly on January 10, 2018.  BJ was born on September 13, 1941 in Portland, Oregon.  He attended Central Catholic High School in Portland where he was an All-State basketball player and graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1963.  He married the love of his life, Ruth, and was blessed with 3 children, Kathy (Shawnee, KS), Scott (Oakland, CA), & Steve (Dublin, CA).  A Louisville resident for 50 years, BJ was the former CFO of Reliance Universal followed by other ventures before retiring from Trinity Video Communications in 2007.  He was an active member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church and a proud supporter of Saint Xavier High School and his beloved Notre Dame.  

BJ is survived by his wife of 54 years Ruth Schnaus and children Kathy and Hal VonWyl and children Kara and Eric; Scott and Michelle Smith and children Zach and Maddie; Steve and Laurie Smith and children Samantha and Erica.  He was preceded in death by one grandchild, Kristen VonWyl.
BJ was a loyal and dedicated friend to many.  He was typically the life of the party with his winning smile and infectious laugh.  He loved spending time with family and friends and making cherished memories along the way.  One of his favorite hobbies after retirement was driving across the country with Ruthie by his side to visit their children and grandchildren and enjoying the beauty of the United States.  He was loved by many and will be missed by all.

Visitation will be on Sunday, January 14 from 2-7 PM at Highlands Funeral Home at 3331 Taylorsville Rd.  

His funeral Mass will be held on Monday, January 15 at 10 AM at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, at 7813 Shelbyville Road followed by a reception in the hospitality room.  

The family requests donations in BJ’s memory to Lifehouse Maternity Home or Saint Xavier High School Student Aid Fund.