DAYTONA BEACH — The Volusia County baseball community, family, friends and strangers, gathered together on May 18 at Jackie Robinson Ballpark to say goodbye to Spruce Creek’s baseball coach, Adam Smith.
Daytona Beach was the same city he was born in.
Smith, 26, was killed in a single-vehicle car crash on May 10. His obituary described him as having a “quiet nature, patient spirit, and kind heart,” that drew people in, a trait that explains why over 300 people attended the memorial service at the Daytona Tortugas home park.
During the ceremony, images of Smith’s life flashed across the large Tortugas LED screen throughout the service.
Plane flies over Jackie Robinson Ballpark with banner that read ‘Fly High, Brother’
“Let’s give this man a round of applause before we start,” Spruce Creek head baseball coach Matt Cleveland said during the opening remarks. He continued to open the service with a prayer before thanking those attending the service and thanking the community for the support the baseball team has received.
“He was genuine, he was real and … his life was too short, but it was definitely well-lived,” Cleveland said.
The service continued in song. During “Goodness of God,” a single plane flew overhead, carrying a banner that read “FLY HIGH BROTHER.”
Smith didn’t just coach at Spruce Creek. He coached and played baseball at New Smyrna Beach High School. Smith’s high school baseball coach at New Smyrna Beach, Nick Regilio, also spoke at the service.
“He was a great kid, and a great person,” Regilio said. “As I close, I feel for the current players who have probably never gone through something like this in your young lives, it’s difficult. Things will never be the same. You can honor him every day by doing things he taught you what to do. He loved you guys. He loved being on that baseball field.”
Many members of Smith’s large family came in from out of state. More than 25 family members sat on the field during the service.
Jessi Ann Ownby, Smith’s older sister, is an office manager at Bishop’s Wrecker Service in New Smyrna Beach. The company parked large, red Bishop’s trucks outside of the ballpark for Smith.
“I am thankful for all of your messages, comments and kind words. Through them, you have given me a chance to know my brother like I never did before. It warms my heart and fills me with pride to be the sister of such a great man,” Ownby said.
At the end of the service, Cleveland spoke about the first time he met Smith, affectionately nicknamed “Stump.” The varsity head coach immediately took note of Smith’s coaching talent in 2022. Smith soon became the junior varsity head coach, and led the team to a 10-0-1 record in 2026.
“My only words of comfort are the ones that I have to keep telling myself and that comes from Romans 8:28: ‘We know that in all things the Lord works for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose.’ Adam was doing what he was called to do, using his gifts to help others,” Cleveland said.
Spruce Creek’s Adam Smith had a large impact on young people
During his life in Volusia County, Smith graduated from New Smyrna Beach. His love for baseball was evident everywhere he coached: New Smyrna Beach, Deland High School, the Orlando Scorpions, Spruce Creek and many other baseball clubs throughout the county.
“He saw potential where others saw uncertainty. He spent his life helping young people believe in themselves,” the family wrote in a pamphlet handed out at the beginning of the service.
Smith’s baseball legacy reached far and wide. Anyone who wanted to pay their respects to Smith could attend the service, according to a post made on X by the Spruce Creek baseball team on May 14.
This was the same day Blanca Christen, the organizer of a GoFundMe to finance Smith’s final arrangements, posted an update to the fundraiser announcing its close.
“(We have) begun the process of assisting the family in arrangements. Continue to keep the family in your prayers! #oneteamonefamily,” Christen said in the update. It is unclear if any of the funds, which amounted to $22,790, were allocated towards Smith’s memorial service. The News-Journal has reached out to Christen for comment.
The News-Journal has also reached out to Jim Jaworski, general manager for the Daytona Tortugas, for comment.
Adam Smith remembered with moment of silence, wristbands at all-star game
With the death of their coach still fresh on their minds, three Spruce Creek seniors, Mason Sanders, Jordan Livingston and Joe Christen, played in the Cure All-Stars Baseball Game on May 13.
Before the game started, the Sanford Memorial Stadium held a moment of silence for Smith. Players, coaches and attendees from both counties were called to remember the coach, who was announced as a “dedicated leader” who “had a passion for coaching and was loved by all.”
During the game, the Hawks donned bright pink to represent the Volusia County team and raise funds for a cure for cancer alongside the Orlando Sports Foundation.
They also wore a black wristband with Smith’s affectionate nickname, “Stump,” on it.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Spruce Creek coach honored at Jackie Robinson Ballpark memorial
Reporting by Justice Ulrich, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
