He lived his life as a Godly example to everyone, especially his children and grandchildren. He was a father figure to many of his nieces and nephews and loved them all dearly. He worked the concession stand at his grandson, Cody Foster’s baseball games, where everyone knew him as granddaddy.
He was employed at Goodyear for 35 years and later drove a DART bus. He was a 1954 Graduate of Glencoe High school, where he played football. He was a longtime member of East Gadsden Baptist church, where he was a Deacon, Sunday School Director and teacher. He loved to witness to people about his beloved Jesus and never met a stranger. He later joined North Glencoe Baptist Church, where his daughter and grandchildren attended.
Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his brothers; Donald Smith, and Frank Smith; sisters, Mary Owens, Norma (Shug) Parker; and Renelda Loring; and parents, Lee William Smith and Evie Lewis Smith.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Carolyn; daughter, Karen (Keith) Waites; sons; Jeff Smith and Tim (Jennifer) Smith; grandchildren; Kristi Foster, Gage Smith, Kayla Thacker, Tony Foster, Cody Foster, Rachel Smith, and Sara Smith; 6 great-grandchildren; sister, Margie Lyons; and brother, Tommy Smith.
Pallbearers will be Jeff Smith, Tim Smith, Gage Smith, Tony Foster, Cody Foster, and David Foster.
Honorary pallbearers are Keith Waites, Frank Smith, Ben Smith, and Mike Parker.
Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 pm Thursday, August 5, 2021 at Collier-Butler Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at Collier-Butler Chapel Friday, August 6, 2021 at 11:00 am, with visitation at 10:00 am. Graveside service at Crestwood Cemetery to follow funeral service.
Special thanks to all the doctors and nurses at Riverview Medical Center who ministered to Melvin. Also, thanks to the nurses and staff at Encompass Hospice for all you have done for him, and us, during this difficult time, especially Elizabeth for her sweet kindness and encouraging words to him during the last days of his life. We love you all.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.collier-butler.com for the Smith family.
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