On September 12,1973, Brian Edward Smith was born to David and Sandra Smith. Brian was destined to be the middle child, and he made sure everyone knew about it.

Brian grew up in Bussey, Iowa, with his parents and his two siblings, who made him the perfect middle child, Barry and Shannon. He was active spending a lot of his time playing kickball, basketball, and other sport activities with the Bussey Park Gang. He also enjoyed playing video games, an activity that continued into adulthood.

Brian attended Twin Cedars and enjoyed NOT going to school, but loved playing sports like basketball, golf, and baseball.

Whatever stage of his life he was in, he always had the greatest group of friends surrounding him, especially in high school and he expanded his friend circle even more after moving to Oskaloosa where he lived for over 20 years. Living in Oskaloosa gave Brian so many of his favorite memories where his friends became his second family. Through various roommates, he made his best friends for life and even gained the nickname “Bussey.”

After his mom’s passing in 2015, he decided to make the change and move back to his hometown of Bussey and live and help care for his dad. They became two peas in a pod watching Iowa State Cyclone games together and arguing over the Chicago Cubs and the Atlanta Braves. Brian was his dad’s main caregiver until his death in 2025.

Brian was a loyal Cyclone fan, as well as a Chicago Bears and Cubs fan, the triple threat of never-ending disappointments, with the occasional highlight mixed in. The Cubs winning the World Series will always be a pinnacle moment for him as a fan! Being a Cyclone fan meant football bowl trips with friends and family that are still talked about at every family gathering. Brian was also the Knoxville Panthers Golf Team’s biggest fan, “a life coach to many.” He could be found always encouraging and getting to know the young golfers.

He began working a job he loved at the Pine Knolls Golf Club in 2020. There was nothing better for him than to chat up every golfer that walked through the door; he wanted to know your story and wanted you to know his.

His story though, is nothing without talking about his family. Brian grew up with his two best friends, older brother Barry and younger sister Shannon, sharing everything in life in childhood and as adults by always including each other on every momentous occasion. Even the smallest stories to the biggest milestone were discussed in one of the family group chats.

Another name for Brian that he would go by, which may have been his favorite, was “Uncle Brian” or for short just simply “Uncle.” He prided himself on being the uncle that his nieces and nephews could count on and they all adored him. He was extremely proud of all their accomplishments and enjoyed watching their sport activities and dance recitals and even when he had to be the babysitter. (Even if on occasion he would question why anyone would put him in charge!)

Brian was stubborn, but was loyal, friendly but fiercely protective, super funny, yet a great listener if someone needed a shoulder to lean on. He was the best friend, the best dog dad to his Cy and Nico, the best uncle, the best son, and the absolute best brother anyone could ask for. He will be extremely missed by, well, everyone.

“Loyal, forever, true” did not just describe Brian as a Cyclone fan; it described him as a person; someone that everyone would walk away from thinking “That Brian, he is the greatest guy.”

Brian was greeted in heaven by many family members and friends, including his grandparents who helped raise him, Ed & Mary Beary, his uncle Dennis Smith, his cousin Benjamin Beary, his dog Cy, and his loving parents, David and Sandra Smith.

Left to remember him are his brother Barry (Carmen) Smith, sister Shannon (Anthony) Proctor, nephews Jimmy (Jess), Josh, Joe, Evan, Brayton & Grayson; nieces Taylor (Devin) & Caelie, as well as great-nieces and nephews. Aunts & Uncles, Joe & Lesley Beary, Jerry & Lori Beary and Jean Smith. Many cousins, Chad, Nicole, Leanne, Katy, and Matthew. Plus, his second family, which includes the Dunkin clans and his confidante, Maureen Nichols.

For those desiring, memorials may be made to the family to be designated at a later date.