Paul Wayne Smith, 73, of Washington, WV, passed to his eternal Heavenly reward at Marietta Memorial Hospital on November 23, 2018 with complications from ALS (Lou Gehrig ’s disease). He was born October 12, 1945, in Parkersburg, WV, the son of the late Ray and Sophia (Shawver) Smith.
He was a graduate of Parkersburg High School with the class of 1965 and attended Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN, and the University of Kentucky extension in Prestonsburg, KY, majoring in Business Administration, with a career in Finance and Credit. He retired from International Industries, Inc. He served as a Commissioner for the Lubeck Public Service District and was on the board of directors for the Wakefield Homeowners Association. Paul was active in church ministry and music, serving as Minister of Music in several churches. He was a Commissioned Song Evangelist in the Church of the Nazarene traveling and singing with his wife, Linda and a very close friend, Paul Shannon, who were known as the Celebration Trio. Paul also performed in musicals at the Jenny Wiley State Park in Prestonsburg, KY.
He was a member of the Gideons International, holding leadership positions in Kentucky and West Virginia. He was a member of the Broadway Church of the Nazarene, Parkersburg, WV. Pauls favorite activities were camping, attending musical events, playing jokes on anyone he could. He truly enjoyed life to the fullest.
Paul is survived by his wife of 51 years, Rev. Linda M. (Blosser) Smith. He is also survived by his brother David (Janet) Smith; nieces Terri (Jeff) Hall, Alayna Blosser; nephew Brent (Debbie) Blosser and children; great niece Andrea Hall; great nephews, Adam (Ashley) Hall, Chris Sams, Hunter (Tracie) Sams, Taylor (Sara) Sams; great-great nephews and nieces Brantley, Waylon, Nora, Josie Sams and Brock Hall. Also surviving are his sister- in- law Marcia (Bill) Blosser; aunts Mildred Eifler, Patricia Shawver and Nina Smith. He is also survived by his Westie dog, Holly Raye, whom he loved dearly.
In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his beloved niece, Sherri Sams, Smith and Shawver grandparents, and aunts and uncles, all of whom he felt were instrumental in the formation of his life and encouragement to live for God. He was also preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, Steve and Bill Blosser.
Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 28, 2018, at Broadway Church of the Nazarene, on Broadway Avenue in South Parkersburg with the Rev. Dan Meek and Rev. Daniel B. Kunselman officiating. A eulogy will be given by Paul Shannon. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. at the church on Tuesday, November 27, and one hour prior to the service.
Paul will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him as a loving husband, brother, uncle, steadfast friend, and passionate servant of God.
Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, Parkersburg, is honored to serve the Smith Family.
