Zachary Ryan Smith

July 24, 1988 - October 15, 2020

Zachary Ryan Smith July 24, 1988 - October 15, 2020 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Zachary Ryan Smith, age 32. Zach made great friends, and strong impressions everywhere he went, but above all else, he loved his family. At home, amongst loved ones, and his beloved dog, Daizie, was where he was most at peace in the world. Growing up the eldest of 4 siblings, and one of many grandchildren, he was constantly surrounded by an extended family, truly loved. He is survived by his partner Kate Bailey and their beloved son, Alden George; his mother and stepfather, Sioban and Tommy Buzhardt; his father, Douglas Smith; his siblings, Kaley Henson, Gabby Smith, and Mason Smith; his grandparents; Melinda and George Steiner; grandfather Easley Smith; as well as adoring Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins from the Steiner, Taylor, and Smith families. He was predeceased by his Grandmother, Helen Smith. Even into his 30’s, Zach’s youthful charm and charisma remained thoroughly intact. It was this charm and charisma that made him instantly likable, and impossible to stay mad at. Even when he did things like insisting on taking one of the coveted turkey legs every Thanksgiving, or his ritual of assuring you that your Christmas present was “in the mail,” for the 3rd year in a row. Zach’s most noticeable trademark, however, was his booming voice. Even his “inside voice” all but guaranteed he would be heard long before he was seen. Sure, he spoke loudly, but his words were almost universally expressions of kindness, of enthusiasm, humor, or optimism. All feelings that are essentially meaningless if kept to oneself. A man of many passions and pursuits, when Zach set his mind to something, he dove in headfirst. For instance, not content simply “tending bar,” he learned, and experimented, eventually winning industry awards, and creating new cocktail menus in the culinary hotbed of Charleston, SC. Zach truly soared, however, when he discovered that his desire to make an impact, and his passion for serving others, intersected perfectly with disaster relief. Seizing this opportunity, he joined a search and rescue team in the field, providing first aid to those hit hardest by devastating Hurricanes such as Florence and Michael. Zach was many things to many people, but the title he cherished most, was “Dada.” His life changed forever the day his partner Kate gave birth to their son, Alden George Smith. His family takes great comfort in knowing what an outstanding mother Kate is to Alden. A baby who has the love and support of an extended family spanning from New Jersey to South Carolina. More than ever, his family is incredibly grateful that a piece of Zach will live on in Alden. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 24 at 12 noon in Bush River Memorial Gardens, located at 5400 Bush River Road in Columbia, SC. Following the service, a Celebration of Life will be held at Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC. For Zach’s family, his passing has brought the precious nature of life sharply into focus. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the below charities near to Zach’s heart: 50 Star Rescue: http://paypal.me/dirtysouthrescue. South Carolina Men’s Center: https://southcarolinamensrehab.com/ Crowd Source Rescue: https://is.gd/GDoNrR