JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In every community, there are unsung heroes, people who quietly dedicate their time to making a difference without expecting recognition.
For Erik Smith, the November recipient of the Positively JAX award, his calling takes him to sacred ground: the resting places of those who came before us.
Smith has made it his mission to honor the dead by meticulously cleaning their headstones, uncovering their stories, and preserving their memory for future generations.
Labor of love
“What are you thinking when you’re doing that cleaning?” someone asks.
Smith responds with humility, “Just how much it would mean to the families if they knew I was out here cleaning their family’s grave.”
With care and reverence, he kneels before the headstones, scrubbing away the dirt and grime that time has left behind. Each stroke is an act of respect, a tribute to the lives once lived.
Unearthing history
As Smith works, he uncovers more than just faded inscriptions — he reveals history.
“I’ve got a World War II veteran over here,” he shares. “He’s actually a Bronze Star recipient.”
Smith’s dedication is astonishing. He has adopted three cemeteries and cleaned over 200 headstones, including those of 36 veterans at St. Nicholas Cemetery in Jacksonville.
Each discovery fuels his passion.
“I go to every stone, look at every stone. The first thing I look for is the insignias. That way I know, ‘OK, veteran for sure,’” Smith said.
More than cleaning
But Smith doesn’t stop at cleaning. He delves into research to learn about the lives behind the names.
“This is my union here, United States Colored Infantry. That’s who he was part of,” he said, pointing to one marker.
To uncover these stories, he uses resources like Find a Grave and local history books.
“One of the neighbors actually wrote a book specifically on this cemetery,” Smith explained.
Through his efforts, Smith ensures that history is not forgotten.
“So much history could be lost otherwise, right? That’s why I love doing it,” Smith said.
Patriot’s tribute
For Smith, a man who never served in the military, this work is a deeply personal way to show his patriotism.
“Patriotism to me is love of country and honoring the ultimate sacrifice,” he said. “These veterans gave me the freedom to vote and live a free life.”
Through his dedication, Smith not only preserves the memories of the past but also teaches others the importance of respect, gratitude, and love for our shared history.
His work is a reminder that heroes don’t always wear capes — they can be found kneeling in quiet cemeteries, ensuring that no name is ever forgotten.
And that recognition and respect are what make Smith Positively JAX.
Smith spends his own money to purchase the supplies needed to clean the headstones. It runs him nearly $100 for both bottles he uses.
He started a GoFundMe account to help pay for some of the supplies. He’s never asked for help but thought this was a good opportunity to expand his efforts.