Reginald “Reggie” Smith, 77, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2024, with his beloved wife of 50 years, Sarah (Sally Fish), by his side. He is survived by his two sons, Paul (Carrie) and Matthew (Abigail); and his cherished grandsons, Finn and Reid. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the countless lives he touched through his lifelong work as a coach and educator.

Reggie was born and raised in Fayetteville and Gauley Bridge, West Virginia, the first-born son of Reginald and Nelgene Smith. He was preceded in death by his sister, Sherri; and is survived by his brother, Mike, who lives in Michigan with his wife, Tammy.

From an early age, Reggie was a gifted athlete. He was a standout swimmer and guard for West Virginia Tech. Reggie also played drums for City Limits, using his talent to support his education. He loved music and would often point out layers of a track unnoticed by the casual listener. He knew what made a song, an effort, a person, and a team, unique.

After serving honorably in the U.S. Navy, and graduating WVU Tech, he went on to earn a master’s degree in physical education and coaching from West Virginia University.

Reggie’s love for sports and coaching defined much of his life and left an indelible mark on the state of West Virginia. He was the founding coach of the University of Charleston’s women’s soccer program in 1989, and went on to coach at Charleston Catholic, George Washington High School, and WVU Tech. His commitment to developing student athletes extended beyond the field, and his athletes carry forward his lessons of character to this day.

Reggie will be missed by all who knew him, but his memory and teachings will continue to resonate in the lives of his family and the many individuals he coached and mentored.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either the WVU Tech Baisi Athletic Scholarship Fund, #2S430 (WVU Foundation at One Waterfront Place – 7^th Floor, P.O. Box 1650, Morgantown, WV 26507-1650, or online at https://give.wvu.edu/ with the designation), or, to the Chef Paul Smith Foundation for hospitality, scholarship fund, and education (Chef Paul Smith Foundation – 40 Norwood Road #7, Charleston, WV 25314).

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Charleston, on Saturday, November 30, 2024, with Rev. Father Donald X. Higgs officiating. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the Mass.

Memories of Reggie may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.