Smiley, 91, died May 19, 2019, in Missoula, Montana. He was born October 20, 1917, in Ronan, Montana. His truck-driving career began hauling dynamite while living in Hamilton. Following his move to Missoula, Smiley drove for Missoula Cartage until his retirement, 32 years and five million accident-free miles later.

Smiley jumped at Missoula during the 1946 season and had seven practice and five fire jumps.