South Florida gathers to honour reggae songwriter Ernie Smith at thanksgiving service

Hundreds gathered in South Florida on Friday, May 16, 2026, for a thanksgiving service celebrating the life of Glenroy Anthony Smith, the Jamaican songwriter and performer widely known as Ernie Smith.

Held with the support of Metropolitan Baptist Church, the programme drew relatives, industry figures and fans who remembered a career that stretched from 1960s dance bands to international recognition. Smith was born in Kingston on May 1 and spent much of his childhood in St. Ann’s Bay before schooling at York Castle in Brown’s Town, where classmates nicknamed him “Socrates” for his love of literature, mythology and classical music.

His brother Paul recalled a protective older sibling who helped the family navigate Jamaica’s strict school culture and shared scholarship success at York Castle. Wife Claudette Smith spoke of meeting him in May 2022 after a performance in Florida, a bond that deepened through hospital stays from July 2025 until his death. She closed her tribute with “Amazing Grace.”

Musicians and promoters described Federal Records hits such as “I Can’t Take It,” “Sammy Bend Down,” “Dopey Gunman” and “Life Is Just for Living.” Copeland Forbes said Smith’s 1972 Red Stripe jingle won a song contest in Japan, putting Jamaican music before many later overseas breakthroughs. Clinton, speaking for radio promoters, noted Smith was among the first entertainers honoured by the Jamaican government in 1972, when a badge of honour later linked to the Order of Distinction was awarded. Forbes and others urged national recognition with the Order of Merit.

Son OJ Smith, represented by cousin Janine, said Smith supported inner-city students through an outreach linked to Sampire’s Cash and Carry and remained a lifelong learner who loved Jamaica’s parishes and history. Reverend David Sudaram said Smith was baptised in March 2025 at First Alliance International Church in Fort Lauderdale after embracing Christianity in late 2024.

The service included scripture readings, performances of Smith’s gospel songs, and tributes from Alvin, Copeland Forbes, Merrick Damar, Dean Fraser, George Raymond and Carlen Davis. Beard Case Funeral Home thanked supporters and invited mourners to a repass from 3 p.m. at Holy Sacrament Episcopal Church on North University Drive. Smith’s children closed with a eulogy citing Khalil Gibran and Shakespeare, affirming that his music and lessons would endure.