A Community Mourns a Young Coach
A modest crowd gathered at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach on a bright spring afternoon to pay tribute to Adam “Stump” Smith, the 26‑year‑old assistant baseball coach at Spruce Creek High School who died in a single‑vehicle crash on May 10.
Smith, a native of Port Orange, rose through the local baseball ranks, starring at New Smyrna Beach High before returning to the area to coach. After stints at New Smyrna Beach High School, he spent his final three years guiding Spruce Creek’s varsity program, where he was remembered for his enthusiasm and dedication.
A Sister’s Reflection
During the service, Smith’s sister spoke candidly about the distance that had grown between them over the years, expressing regret that they had not shared a closer bond before his untimely death.
Words of Faith and a Soaring Banner
Pastor J offered a message of encouragement, urging attendees to carry forward Smith’s spirit of perseverance. As the ceremony concluded, a small aircraft flew overhead trailing a banner that read “FLY HIGH BROTHER,” a poignant visual tribute to the young coach’s love of the game.
The memorial underscored the tight‑knit nature of Volusia County’s baseball community, with family, friends, former players and local officials all paying their respects. Though Smith’s life was cut short, his impact on the field and in the lives of his students continues to resonate.