Les Smith, the beloved longtime reporter for FOX 13 Memphis and the father of 92.9 FM ESPN Host Jason Smith, passed away this morning at the age of 75 after a courageous battle with lung cancer.
Les was more than a familiar face on TV that many on-line have referred to as “The Professor” because of his deep knowledge of Memphis and his unwavering commitment to truth. The outpouring of stories and memories continued Wednesday afternoon (9/17/25).
Also Wednesday, Jason's radio show partner, John Martin, spoke about Les and his time around the J&J Show. Martin also read some stories while signing off Wednesday's show with the song "Tiny Winey". That's the song Les used when coming on the radio show from Belize.
AUDIO: From John Martin on 9/17/25
Smith reported with integrity, grace, and kindness, touching countless lives with not just the news he told, but how he told it. Smith was a legend.
Smith made several appearance on 92.9 FM ESPN's Jason & John Show during his retirement, first as a guest launching "Bets from Belize" with his football picks. He also visited the show twice in person during his return trips to Memphis.
AUDIO from Les Smith in-studio in 2018:
In December 2023 Les Smith return again to Memphis to visit and called into the show. AUDIO: