Max Duane Smith

Max Duane Smith, 82, died peacefully Thursday, October 5, 2017. Rather than having a funeral service, it was his will that his ashes be returned to the Earth in a private service. In leu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to The American Heart Association online at heart.org or mailed to 4217 Park Place Ct., Glen Allen, VA 23060-9979. Max was the son of the late Alva Dale and Marjorie Ardith Badgely Smith. He is survived by his three sons and two daughters-in-law, Neill G. Smith, Pauley A. Smith and his wife, Lisa Lee Smith, and Clayton E. Smith and his wife, Emily McKinney Smith. He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Annslee, Sidney, Aaron, Ian, and Evan. Max was born August 8, 1935, in Martinsville, Indiana, and graduated from Purdue University in 1959 with a B.S. in English. In 1964, he earned his M.A. from the University of Michigan in linguistics. He studied at the University of Oklahoma in 1965 focusing on the Cheyenne language followed by completing his doctoral research in English Language and Linguistics at the University of Texas at Austin in 1968. His educational pursuits led him to teaching positions at Ball State University and at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina, where he taught English language history, literature, and composition from 1973 to 1998. Max was keenly interested in the culture and advancement of African Americans. His commitment was reflected by the art, literature, and the personal relationships he immersed himself in over the course of his career. His interests as a writer-editor led him to civilian positions at Fort Ord in Monterey, California and Fort Devens in Devens, Massachusetts during the summers of 1981 through 1985, and to Harvard University studying screen writing during the summer of 1987. Max suffered a debilitating stroke in 1998, leaving him unable to live in his previous capacity. His remaining nineteen years were spent in the comfort of his home, largely cared for in loving kindness by his long-time friend, Steven Lanagan of Los Angeles, California. In his retirement, Max enjoyed reading, writing, and his family. He considered each a day a Blessing as he came to fully understand the lesson of patience. He believed deeply in the Divine and Perfect Way of the Lord, and the promise that the next life holds. The family of Max express their deep gratitude to Steven Lanagan, whose seventeen years of care for Max, enabled him a degree of happiness and quality of life he would not otherwise, have been able to enjoy. Those who wish to express condolences may do so traditionally or by signing the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.