Obituary: Bradlee Gene Smathers

Bradlee Gene Smathers, 69, devoted husband, dad, papa and friend, passed away at his home in Juneau, Alaska, on June 17, 2026. 

Brad was born in Columbus, Ohio, on April 30, 1957, to Robert and Darlene Smathers.

Brad Smathers

He is survived by “his one and only” love of his life and wife of 43 years, Judy; his children Ginger (Tony) Nizich, Andi Smathers, Stephanie Cameron; his grandchildren Keegan, Gwen, Aaron, Vinny, McKinley and Brooks; along with foster and adopted children that all knew and loved him as Papa! He is also survived by sisters Debra Skoog and Amber (Dan) Vavalis and numerous nieces and nephews.  

Brad moved with his family from Ohio in 1969. He got quite the sendoff from Ohio as an all-star baseball player with aspirations to be a professional player. He instilled this same love of the game in his children, grandchildren, and many Juneau children that got the privilege of being coached by Coach Brad through GCLL and Midnight Suns Softball. 

Brad graduated from Juneau-Douglas High School in 1975, and attended technical and electrical training schools. He started his career in appliance repair at Sears Roebuck and then started his business Action Appliance Repair, in 1997. He truly loved and cared for all of his customers and was pretty sure that during his 45-year career, he was in most of the homes in Juneau. Customers spoke kindly of him going above and beyond, leaving their home better than when he arrived by not only fixing the appliance but doing other little things like fixing a lamp, light switch, or — with his tall reach — changing light bulbs. He loved to help people. He was a pillar of our community and was well known as the man who could fix anything.  

He loved cruising out on the water to go fishing or on the road cruising his 1970 SS Chevelles. Over the years he rebuilt many cars and engines from the ground up. Many friends and car enthusiasts would call for advice and he would willingly help. He spent many years as an active member of the local car club Dipsticks enjoying old muscle cars and friends with the same love.  

He will also be remembered as a fixture at Channel Bowl. He was an avid bowler from high school well into the 1990s. 

Family time was Brad’s greatest passion; Sunday night family dinners, camping, boating, singing, watching sporting events, cheering on children and grandchildren through all their milestones. He was their hero!

He was preceded in death by parents Robert and Darlene Smathers; firstborn grandson Austin Taylor Smathers and beloved niece Katrina Davis.  

Family will hold a private burial service and will host a celebration of life on March 14, 2027, at the Moose Lodge. In lieu of flowers family is requesting donations to the Gastineau Channel Little League Scholarship program.