Stephen Larue Smith

A memorial service with military honors will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at The Loflin Funeral Home Chapel, 212 West Swannanoa Avenue, Liberty. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation following the service.

Steve was the son of the late John Smith and Maxine Lednum Smith and was he was also preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Smith.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 57 years, Virginia Tanner Smith; sons, Chris Smith and his wife, Angie Quandt-Smith, and Shane Smith and his wife, Jamie Smith; grandchildren, Alex Smith, Sophie Smith, Ciara Smith, Wesley Smith, Quinn Smith, Elisabeth Olson and Logan Olson; sister, Glenda Gilmore; and brother, Clyde Gilmore.

Steve was an accomplished horseman, it appeared as if he was born to the saddle. It is often said that he and a horse became as one while roping or just enjoying a ride. He also was an avid hunter of local game and appreciated a fine firearm of the hunt. Golf with his buddies was a passion. Unless he was really ill, he was on the greens chasing that little white ball down the fairway.

He began working at Chatham Animal Hospital for Dr. Joe Fulford DVM during his early high school years. That experience found him bonding with “Doc” for a lifetime friend. He found yet another lifelong friend, and fishing and hunting buddy in Ernest Langley while at the clinic. He developed skills there that led to his being a medical specialist in the Army based in Fort Hood, Texas from 1966 to 1968, earning commendations for his service there.

Most of Steve’s careers were in sales and management, as with Moormans Feed where he began as a salesman and accomplished to Southeastern Regional Sales Manager. He earned many awards and recognitions, and amazing travel opportunities during his time there. He and his wife owned and operated a MRI employment agency.

Steve’s greatest joy was being the father of his sons, Chris and Shane. To say he was a proud father and grandfather to those son’s children is very true. He also loved his grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles while gathering together to share tall tales with one another, not to mention good country cooking. If there was a family member or friend in need and he had the means, he was generous to them.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Steve’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: www.stjude.org or American Heart Association: www.heart.org

Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at www.LoflinFH.com

Loflin Funeral Home of Liberty is honored to serve the Smith family.