Brently James Smart

Our best friend and gentle giant, "Tiny" Brently James Smart, 85, of Preston Idaho passed away at Autumn Care Center on Thursday September 4th, 2025.

Brently was born August 5, 1940, in Preston, Idaho to Parley and Mildred Jensen Smart. He joined four siblings; Parley, Gloria, Judy, and Korran "Corky" Smart.

Brently went to school in Preston, Idaho and graduated from Preston High School in 1958.

He married Ruth Hannah Nielson in 1964, and they made their home in Pocatello Idaho where Brently worked and continued his education at Idaho State University where he graduated with honors in electrical engineering.

During this time their family was joined by three sons; Rodney, Brian and Jeff Smart.

They eventually moved to Wyoming when Brently went on to be a supervisor for Elk Horn Construction. He retired with honors in engineering and moved to Preston Idaho to enjoy his retirement.

Brently is survived by his lovely wife Ruth, sons; Rodney (Marie) Smart, Jeff (Natalie) Smart, sister Judy Priestley, and brother- in-law Glenn Talbot. He is also survived by eight grandchildren; Amanda, Brian, Cody, Dustin, Kelli, Carli, Brett and Sammi. Also their twenty one great-grandchildren; (Rodney Smart) Ayden Preston, Carson James, Abigail Marie, David Charles, Graham Benjamin, Ezra James, Isabella Jade, Sawyer Thomas, Evandor Rodney, Hanna Dee, Maisa Lee, Waylon Andrew, Bo Brently , (Jeff Smart) Ella, Daphne, Max, Emmett, Stratton, Laikyn, Lainei, Gregor and Kason.

Brently was preceded in death by his parents; Parley and Mildred, siblings; Gloria Talbot, Parley and his wife Earlene Smart, brother-in-law Marvin Priestley, brother Korran "Corky" Smart and son Brian Smart who passed away serving a mission in Auckland New Zealand.

The family would like to thank Autumn Care Center nurses and the care center staff for Caring for Brently. And especially Toni, for everything!

A Celebration of Life for Brent will be held on Sunday September 21, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Red Rose Funeral Home, 56 S State Street, Preston, ID. To share a favorite memory of Brent or to offer condolences to the family, please leave a tribute on this page.