Shelby W. Smith

ELKHART — Shelby W. Smith, 78, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully at Elkhart General Hospital following a brief illness on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017. 

He was born Nov. 8, 1939, in Winchester, Tennessee, to the late M.C. and Ethel (Farris) Smith. 

On May 30, 1961, he married Elizabeth R. “Liz” Gullett in Lafayette, Georgia. She preceded him in death in Elkhart in 2017.

Surviving are his daughters, Kathy (Charles) McMillan, Teresa (Bryan) Groover and Nicole (Martin) Bohlmann and sons John (Mary) and Mark (Melissa) Smith, all of Elkhart; brother Larry Smith of Estill Springs, Tennessee; sister Joyce Ann (Johnny) Young of Tullahoma, Tennessee; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. 

A brother, Donald Smith, also preceded Shelby in death.

Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart is honored to host the celebration of Shelby’s life beginning with a viewing from 5 – 8 p.m  Monday, Dec. 4.  

A service will follow there at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, with a visitation beginning at 10 a.m. 

Pastor Mike Peters of Bethany Missionary Church will officiate and burial will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens with military honors being rendered by the U.S. Army Funeral Honor Guard and Osceola American Legion Post 308.

Shelby was an over-the-road truck driver for nearly 35 years, then went on to operate Smith and Smith Tools of Elkhart with his late wife. 

He enjoyed attending auctions, gardening, and spending time with his grandchildren. 

He was also a very knowledgeable garden tractor enthusiast and was often called upon to help repair or work on nearly any model garden tractor. 

Fun loving and sociable, Shelby enjoyed coffee and doughnuts with his neighborhood friends. 

He was an U.S. Army veteran, serving in Germany during the Vietnam War.    

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Bethany Missionary Church, 56295 C.R. 1, Elkhart, IN 46516.

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