HOLLIS CENTER- Ayden Thomas Smith, of Hollis Center, entered this world already stubborn. After refusing to submit to being born and putting his mother through three days of labor, he finally made his entrance via C-section on June 2, 2002.
He spent his early years on the banks of the Saco River, fishing at the home of his Bup—his best friend—and Neen. It was his most treasured childhood home, where the laundry chute doubled as his secret hideout. As the first grandchild, great-grandchild, nephew, and favorite little cousin, Ayden was loved beyond measure from the very beginning.
Ayden was born to Melissa Johnson Feeney and G. Steven Smith and was raised by his dad, Frankie R. Feeney, of Hollis.
Ayden spent his youth keeping his family on their toes and staying busy with just about everything. He was a Cub Scout with Pack 323, a Hollis Little League championship pitcher coached by his Dad and Bup, a Bonny Eagle Soccer Club player, and a Bonny Eagle Little Scot football player. He attended Bonny Eagle High School, where he played basketball, baseball, and golf and made many great and lasting friendships. Ayden also attended PATHS, where he earned his welding certification.
An entrepreneur from an early age, Ayden was always trying to figure out how to make money. He landed his first job at a local golf course—before they realized he was actually too young to be working there.
Ayd’s working years officially began at age 15, when he and his best friend, Mark Tibbets, started working as technicians at Town Fair Tire. Ayden quickly worked his way through various positions, eventually becoming an assistant store manager in Topsham at age of 18. It was then that he decided if he was going to work that hard, he was going to do it for himself.
Ayden went on to own and operate his own mobile tire and auto detailing business, Smith’s Tire and Auto Detail, in Hollis. He could often be found out in the yard doing customer work or in the garage hanging out with his Bup, his dog Harley, and his brother Landen, or pushing Griff on the swing, and perfecting his patch of grass.
Ayden had a heart of gold and gave so much of himself to others. He was a champion of the underdog, always looking out for people and often going out of his way to help. He donated to local sports organizations, toy funds, and the Town of Hollis Holiday Fund, never needing recognition for doing something good.
Ayd lived life entirely on his own terms—all gas and no brakes. He lived fast, loud, and with his whole heart. He loved riding his motorcycle and especially cherished the last few summers spent on the lake with his friends Caleb and David.
Ayden was predeceased by his great-grandparents, Bob and Shirley Libby, Harold Johnson Jr., Beverly Rittenhouse, and Beatrice Cormier.
Ayden is survived by his Mom and Dad, Melissa and Frankie Feeney; his brothers, Landen and Griffen Feeney; and his grandparents, Bruce and Tracy Johnson, all of Hollis. He is also survived by his grandparents, Deborah and Walter Smith of Texas; his Auntie Lindsey Johnson; cousins Rory and Marlow; great-aunts and great-uncles Patti Stone, Robin Smith (Dennis), Rhonda Feeney (Frank), Wendy Buzzell (Peter), Mike Johnson (Lynda), and Stuart Johnson (Debbie) Ken Stone; and his great-great-uncle John Wilder (Lil).
Ayden also leaves behind his girlfriend, Hannah Lawler, and her son, Stetson; his beloved German Shepherd, Harley; his special cousins Nick and Andy, Kyle, Ryan, and McKenna; his best friends, Ashley Welch and Amanda McKay, Caleb Gooch, Mark Tibbets, Derek Mckeen; and countless friends and customers whose lives were made better simply by knowing him.
Following injuries sustained in an automobile accident on July 19, Ayden led us on a 24-day journey that showed all of us the stubbornness, strength, and determination that defined him throughout his life. He fought with everything he had.
Held by his Mom and girlfriend, and holding the hands of his Neen, Bup, and Auntie, Ayden took his last breath on August 12, 2026.
Our family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the staff of SCU4 at Maine Medical Center for the exceptional care, compassion, and dignity they provided to our son throughout his hard-fought battle.
We are also incredibly grateful for the tremendous amount of love and support shown to our family on Ayden’s behalf and for the constant coordination, help, and friendship of our dear family friends Amy Ayotte, Honorary Auntie Angela Harris, Michelle Meserve, and Laurie Bruce.
Life is precious, and you never know when a split second can change everything.
Pay attention behind the wheel.
Tell your children you love them every chance you get—even when they tell you to stop loving them so much.
Visitation will be held on Friday August 21st from 3 - 4 PM, followed by a 4 PM service to celebrate Ayden's life at the West Buxton Baptist Church, 62 Parker Farm Road, Buxton. A reception will immediately follow at the Hollis Town Hall.
In Ayden’s honor, donations may be made toward a future scholarship for a student pursuing a technical career in the trades. Donations may be mailed to:
Bonny Eagle High School
C/O Ayden Smith
700 Saco Road
Standish, ME 04084
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com