Shawn Patrick Smith

Shawn Patrick Smith, 42, passed peacefully just after midnight, Wednesday, May 10, 2018, following a tragic cycling accident during a training ride in northern Alachua County.  Shawn was surrounded by his loving family and many friends, who prayed over him to ease his passing. Shawn and his 13 year old son, Brayden, had given themselves to Christ on Sunday.  

Shawn was born on May 21, 1975, in Richmond, VA and grew up in Manteo, NC, moving to Gainesville, FL in 1996.  He met his beloved Shandon Hales on a blind date and married her several years later. In 2005, they had their son Brayden, now 13.  They were an amazing team and worked hard to keep their marriage and family intact. He was totally committed to their family.

Shawn always had a “need for speed” and his love of cycling began at an early age.  When he moved to Gainesville, Shawn turned his love for mountain bike riding into a successful 20+year run as, among other things, Florida State Champion many times over.  Shawn was an accomplished and admired face in the cycling community. At the time of his passing, Shawn was working at Exactech in Gainesville, and was due to begin a new position at the end of the month.  Shawn was hard-working and diligent and was recognized as a valuable employee.

Shawn is survived by his wife, Shandon and son Brayden of Gainesville, mother Peggy Smith of Archer,  father Robert and step-mother Carolyn Childs of Richmond, VA, grandmother Dorice O’Neil of Gainesville, sister Dawna and brother-in-law Chad Doering of Gainesville, brother Jeff and sister-in-law Gretchen Smith of Jupiter, FL, sister Courtney and brother-in-law Javon Carter, nephew Keiston, nieces, Anjelyn, Jenika, Kiershara, and Kierjaea of Sandy Hook, VA, sister-in-law Chastity Smith and nephews Blake and Ashton of Jupiter, FL, nieces Amber (Marcus) Tucker of Gainesville and Samantha (Neil) of Jacksonville, mother-in-law and father-in-law Linda and Jim Hales of High Springs, FL and brother-in-law Ian Hales of Gainesville, FL, as well as many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, co-workers and fellow members of the MTB community. Shawn was predeceased by his late maternal grandfather Robert O’Neil and late paternal grandparents Mary Lou and Robert C. Smith and late uncle Herb O’Neil.

Shawn was full of life and passion 

The family is accepting donations to contribute towards Brayden’s college fund. Deposits may be made at TD Bank in the name of Brayden P. Smith or mailed to the family’s home at 3330 NW 49th Terrace, Gainesville, FL, 32606. 

The mountain biking community he so cherished will be holding a memorial ride at the San Felasco Trails in Alachua. Please contact family for further details.  Family and friends are welcome to be there for “Shawn’s Last Ride.”