Deonte Gay was born on February 25, 1996 to Chanell Gay and the late Myron Joseph Smith.

He was the second of four siblings, born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio.

Deonte attended Cleveland Public Schools and graduated from Lang?ston Hughes High School in 2013. His charm and wit opened the doors to many employment opportunities throughout his adulthood. His favorite work experiences always included those that allowed him to interact with people and provide great customer service.

Deonte was a great artist with extraordinary raw talent. In fact, drawing was one of his favorite pastimes, especially in his youth. Deonte was also the comedian of the family. He liked putting smiles on the faces of his family and loved ones. He did great impressions of the people he loved. One of his most humorous comedy routines included doing im?pressions of his Uncle Anthony.

Deonte was also a foodie who enjoyed trying new recipes and exotic foods. He was also a Michael Jackson enthusiast, with the moves to match. He genuinely loved being around family. In fact, the absolute joy of Deonte’s life was being a father to his daughter, Denver Reign Howard-Gay (5). She adored her father just as much as he adored her.

Like two peas in a pod, they were inseparable. Deonte’s joy was always evident in his infectious smile, which he was always willing to share. He had a unique, rare innocence that people found comforting. Above all, Deonte had a heart of gold. He was not only nice, but he was kind. Nice is what his family taught him to be. Kind is the way he was born.

His Father, Myron J. Smith proceeded him in death. Deonte leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter Denver Reign Howard-Gay (Tomara); his mother Chanell Gay (Wilbert); his siblings Jayvon Gay, Cameron Shelton, Aries Shelton, Myron Smith Jr.; Auntie Twila Gay; Uncles An?thony Gay (Tillie), Roy Gay (Antoinette), Earnest J. Smith; two loving Grandmothers, Carolyn Gay and Yvonne Smith, and one Great Grand?mother Mildred Smith; Nephews Rayvon Martin, Avery Solone; Niece A’layah Briscoe, and a host of cousins, friends, and loved ones.

Humbly submitted,
The Family