Tributes paid to well-known musician and artist from Portsmouth

Roy Smith displaying his artwork at the Arches, Old Portsmouth Picture: Jean Smith

Roy Smith, a former member of the band Lee Scott Sound, died in his home town of Portsmouth on January 14.

Roy’s wife Jean paid tribute to her much-loved husband, who was well known for his time on South Parade Pier playing music with the band.

Jean said: ‘He loved his family and was loved by everyone.’

Roy Smith with members of the Lee Smith Sound

As well as being a keen fisherman and musician, Roy was a talented artist, showcasing and selling his art each Sunday in the arches at Old Portsmouth, before they were renovated.

‘He wasn’t a professional but people really enjoyed his work,’ Jean said.

Roy was born on August 9, 1928 in Portsmouth, a place he spent almost his entire life, moving to Winchester only for a short while after being evacuated at a young age.

Jean and Roy lived on a houseboat in Hayling Island for four years, before returning to live in Hilsea.

One of

Roy Smith's paintings — One of Roy Smith's paintings

Following his love of fishing, Roy opened a fishing and tackle shop in Emsworth aged 16, and had a charter boat taking people fishing. His last job was working at Portsmouth Polytechnic, manufacturing PCB boards.

Roy and Jean were married for 33 years and they have four children, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Roy and his friend Peter Sopp set up The Portsmouth Festival of Arts, which continued to take place after he was no longer a part of it, showcasing paintings, pottery, and jewellery.

Alongside his other work, Roy once ran an art gallery at the Beneficial Foundation showcasing local art. Much of the money he earned was voluntarily donated to the foundation and the artists.

Roy’s ashes will be scattered by his close family and friends in a ceremony on Sunday from a Thames sailing barge off South Parade Pier in Southsea.