Elmer R. Smith, age 85, of Patriot, went home to be with the Lord, Saturday evening March 8, 2008 at Holzer Medical Center.
Born November 22, 1922 in Mingo County, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Leonard and Alice McDonald Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded by, his wife, Lura B. Harrison Smith, sister, Frances Blankenship, three brothers, Willie, Arthur, and Dorsil Smith, and by a daughter in law, Annie Mae Richards Smith.
Elmer was a retired farmer and coal miner. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a member of the United Mine Workers of America. A World War II Army Veteran, he served in the Burma Theater with Merrills Marauders. He faithfully attended several area churches, including Salem Baptist Church, Centerpoint Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon, and Sunday School Superintendent, Old Emory Church, Nebo Church, Silver Memorial Baptist Church, and Centenary Church.
He is survived by five children, to which he was a loving, caring, and praying father, Michael, David, and Doug Smith all of Gallipolis, Sandra (Paul) Vergez of Colorado Springs, CO., and Sharon (Roger) Evans of Gallipolis. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Amy Beth Pearce of Gallipolis, Chris, Brian, and Laura Vergez of Colorado Springs, CO., Hubbell and Boeing Smith of Gallipolis, Makayland and Marshall Evans of Gallipolis. Three sisters, Ellen Simpson of Tennessee, Pearl Vinson of Buckhannon, WV. and Lena Maye of Zephyr Hills, FL. A sister in law, Martha Smith of Silver Springs, FL. And several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM. Thursday March 13, 2008 at the Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home, with Pastor Charles Curry, Pastor Ishmael Smith, Pastor Phil Taylor officiating. Burial will follow in Salem Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 5-8 PM.
Military Funeral Honors will be conducted at the cemetery by the Gallia County Veterans Funeral Detail.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to either Salem Baptist Church, Holzer Cancer Center, or the Gallia County Senior Citizens Center.
On online guest registry is available at waugh-halley-wood.com
