Russell Smith Jr.

Russell “Duke” Smith, Jr., 94, of Terre Haute, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2015, at Union Hospital. He was born on July 26, 1921, in Terre Haute, to the late Russell E. and Virginia (Parker) Smith, Sr. He married Wanda Day and she preceded him in death in 1988. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Keith Smith.

Russell is survived by his sons, Stephen Smith and wife Sandy of Terre Haute, and Timothy Smith and wife Connie of Farmersburg; grandsons, Stephen Smith, Jr. and wife Shay of Terre Haute and Tyler Smith of Farmersburg; a great-grandson, Russell Smith of Terre Haute; brothers, Don Smith of Atlanta, GA, Dale Smith and wife Rosie of Louisville, KY, and Carl Smith and wife Carol of Terre Haute; and several nieces and nephews.

Russell proudly served in the United States Navy during WWII. He fought in the Pacific Theater of the war and was stationed in New Guinea. Russell and his brother started Smith Well Drilling together. He worked for over 40 years for the railroad and retired from Amtrak. He enjoyed farming with his son, Timothy. He loved to go watch his son, Steve, race Enduro go-karts. Russell was a member of the Masons. He was a member of North Terre Haute Baptist Church and was a charter member of Forest Park Baptist Church. Russell cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his great –grandson.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 20 at Roselawn Funeral Home. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 21, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Park. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with Russell’s family at www.roselawnfuneralhome.net