Herbert Allen Smith Jr.

Herbert Allen Smith, Jr. of Hoover and formerly of Vestavia Hills and Fairhope passed away Sunday, February 27, 2022 after an extended illness. Allen is survived by his wife (Laura Berthon), daughters Julie (Kevin) Wade of Vestavia Hills, Karen (Jeff) McAlpin of Winter Garden, FL, grandchildren Dawson (Mary Tate) Wade, Emme Wade, Reese and Davis McAlpin and sister, Donna Smith Anderson of Useppa Island, FL and nieces and nephews, Craig and Amy Anderson of Minnesota, Jeremy Berthon and Katie Berthon Klumpp of Louisiana and Noel Berthon of Georgia.

Allen grew up in Homewood and graduated from the Tennessee Military Institute in 1964 then graduated from Samford University in 1968. He and Laura married in 1969 and raised their family in Vestavia where he was involved in multiple civic organizations.

Allen began his career at Liberty National Life Insurance Company and later joined Laura’s family business, Berthon’s Cleaners, where he opened an additional location of the iconic cleaners. During those years, he served as President of the SE Fabricare Association and was a partner there until October 1988 when he suffered a horrendous car accident that changed the course of his family’s life. In spring of 1990, he, Laura and Karen moved to Fairhope, AL where they immediately became involved in civic activities like the Fairhope High School Athletic Boosters, the Optimist Club and Fairhope Methodist Church.

In 1995, he and Laura moved back to Birmingham and he continued his professional career. After his retirement he loved spending time with his grandchildren picking blueberries, going to the woods, attending all of their sports and activities. He volunteered for the Dawson Family of Faith, the Vestavia Rotary Club, and was instrumental in several mission projects in Venezuela and Alabama’s Black Belt.

Memorials can be made to The Dawson Family of Faith - Kids Connection, a ministry where he served until his illness.

The graveside service will be private at Elmwood Cemetery.

Tuesday, March 1, 1-2 pm Visitation then 2 pm service at Dawson Family of Faith, 1114 Oxmoor Road, Homewood

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the SMITH family.