He was the oldest and longest-serving general authority in the history of the church, although he had not been active in that capacity from 1979 to his death.

The younger Smith graduated from LDS High School in Salt Lake City and later the University of Utah.

He was trained and worked as an engineer, registered several patents, and enjoyed building and repairing clocks.

Smith later served in several church positions, including high councilor and bishop of the 20th North Ward in Salt Lake City.

[3] At the time of Smith's birth, a new presiding patriarch was usually chosen based on the principle of patrilineal succession.

[8] By then he had married, started a family, and worked at several professions including cleaning and painting the ceiling of the Salt Lake Tabernacle.

[4] Smith was considered an emeritus general authority of the church after he was relieved of his duties.

At this point, Smith was not mentioned specifically, but included with "All other members of the First Quorum of the Seventy and the emeritus Brethren as at present constituted.

"[13] His death was announced during the Priesthood session April 2013 general conference, which took place just days later,[14] and was mentioned in the church's May 2013 Ensign and Liahona magazines.