Brandon Smiley Will Be Celebrated With Standing Ovation Service

Rickey Smiley has released details on his son’s “standing ovation” service.

Source: Johnny Louis / Getty

Rickey Smiley, unfortunately, lost his son Brandon Smiley, unexpectedly last week and took to Facebook and Instagram to relay the news. He did not clarify how his son passed away.

I lost my oldest son #BrandonSmiley this morning. I’m okay, but please pray for my son’s mother Brenda, his siblings and his daughter Storm.

The Rickey Smiley For Real star said that while his mother is shaken over Brandon’s death—having texted him just hours before he died—the tragedy hit his youngest son Malik the hardest.

“He got his own issues,” Rickey explained of the 21-year-old. “He’s fighting to stay alive because he’s dealing with a lot, dealing with depression and anxiety.”

A week has passed, and Rickey Smiley has now released information for the celebration of his son’s life, which he calls a “standing ovation” service. His Instagram post said the service will be at Faith Chapel in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday at noon. A burial will follow it at the Forest Hill Cemetery.

His son, Brandon Smiley worked as a comedian and actor, and Rickey would often post clips of his son’s standup acts.

In the days following the news of his son’s passing, Rickey has taken to social media to ask for prayers for himself, his son’s mother, his son’s daughter, and his entire family.

A live stream of the service will be available for those who want to pay their respects and cannot make it in person.