Matthew Brian Smith, 66, of Culloden, WV, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, September 1, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with esophageal cancer. Matt was born on January 16, 1959, in Huntington, WV, and was a son to the late Ernest and Irene Smith. He was also preceded in death by his granddaughter, Sophia Thompson, and father-in-law, Richard Lawhon.
Matt was a 1977 graduate of Barboursville High School, attended WV State College, and worked in the grocery industry for over 30 years, retiring from SuperValu, Milton Division. After his retirement, he found happiness in spending his time outside, with a lot of his time given to “manicuring” the lawns of his amazing community of neighbors and friends. Matt also found tremendous enjoyment with serving in various ministries at his church, River Ridge Teays Valley.
Matt is survived by his wife and best friend, Debbie (Lawhon) Smith, whom he was married to for 41 years, his two daughters that were his absolute pride and joy, Lauren (Andrew) Thompson and Kaitlin (Ernst) van den Berg, and his grandchildren, Tate, Tucker, Tripp, Mila, and Griffin. During the last couple of years of his life, Matt would always comment on how much he loved having the grandkids at the house where he could hear their child-like laughter and playful shenanigans resonating throughout the walls; his grandchildren brought him so much happiness. Matt is also survived by his sister Rosanna (Rod) Pruett of North Carolina, brothers Brent (Lisa) Smith and Mark (Patti) Smith, of Huntington, WV, mother-in-law Juanita Lawhon of Lesage, WV, and sister/brother-in-law, Carolyn (Art) Dean of Salt Rock, WV, along with an extended family list of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the incredible village of professionals who surrounded Matt during these last few years: Dr. Artina Lane and staff; Dr. Arvinder Bir and staff; Dr. Matthew and Lana Hofeldt, St. Mary’s Infusion Center staff, Hospice of Huntington, as well as a numerous list of personal friends, family and neighbors.
Wallace Funeral Home, Barboursville, is assisting the family with arrangements; with visitation to be held Saturday, September 6, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed immediately by a celebration of life at 1:00 p.m. at River Ridge Church in Hurricane, WV. Burial will be in Greenbottom Memorial Park, Lesage.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions be made in Matt’s memory to Hospice of Huntington or to the ministries at River Ridge Church Teays Valley.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/wallace.
