Gene Martin Smith, 87 of Craig County, passed away Monday, April 15. He made his home in the Sinking Creek Valley.
Gene retired in 1988 from General Electric after 32 years of service. He then worked for the U.S. Forest Service and also with the Dept. of Forestry. Gene was a member of Level Green Christian Church for over 50 years, where he served as Deacon and Trustee. A former Boy Scout Leader of Troop 429, he served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
An avid bear hunter for over 70 years, he was inducted into the Virginia Bear Hunter’s Hall of Fame, where he was a life member. He also loved spending time with Linda, farming, gardening and dancing. He also loved working, farming and hunting with his sons. He especially enjoyed every minute with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was very proud to have seen his four grandchildren get married.
Born in Covington, he graduated from Troutville High School in 1950. He spent a lot of time helping his aunt and uncle Bay and Jesse Taylor farm in Paint Bank.
He was preceded in death by son, Timothy Martin Smith; parents, Bryan and Viola Taylor Smith; brother and sister-in-law, Woodrow and Irene Smith; sister, Geraldine S. Farrier; and great-nephew, B.J. Smith.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Linda Garman Smith; sons and wives, Benji and Dee Dee Smith and Richard and Joy Smith; grandchildren and spouses, Stacy and Dan Brock, Justin and Kristen Smith, Dustin and Alisha Smith, Shawn and Cate Smith; great-grandchildren, Lauren, Paul and Luke Brock, Willow Karnes, Raelynn Smith; brother-in-laws, “Billy Lewis” Farrier, and Tony and Shirley Garman; nephews and spouses, Denny and Janice Smith, Eddie B. and Vickie Smith, Ken and Kathy Smith, Lewis and Cindy Farrier; nieces and spouses, Mitzi and David Webster, Gail Garman and Bob Wright; great-nieces and nephews, and spouses, Danielle and Noel Woodard, Mark Smith, Ethan Webster, Carley Webster, and Justin Sarver; many cousins, Magnum Hunt Club, his neighbors, and his fellow church members.
Funeral Services, officiated by Pastors Duane Wente and Danny Kesler, were held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 19, at Level Green Christian Church. Interment followed at Level Green Christian Church Cemetery. The family received friends from 6 to 8 pm on April 18 at Level Green Christian Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Level Green Christian Church Building Fund. www.paitselfh.com.
