He was born Feb. 9, 1930, in Hillsboro, Tenn. to Lewis H. and Emma (Baker) Smith. On July 1, 1950, in Rossville, Ga., he married Ether Lee Smith.

She survives at home, along with three sons, Phillip D. (Sherry) Smith and Lucas W. (Deb) Smith, both of Elkhart, and Richard T. (Cindy) Smith of Centralia, Ill.; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Bobbie Metzler of Huntington and Bertha May (Dee) Davis, of Winchester, Tenn.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Finus.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday and one hour prior to the 10:30 a.m. Friday funeral service, all at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. Pastor David Henry of Jamestown United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial in Prairie Street Cemetery in Elkhart will follow the services.

Mr. Smith was an over-the-road trucker for Yellow Freight Lines for more than 30 years, retiring in 1987, after accumulating several state driving awards. He was a member of Teamsters 364 and was a member and an usher at Jamestown United Methodist Church for many years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping, especially with his children and grandchildren.

Mr. Smith was a fan of NASCAR's Earnhardt family and country and western music.

Memorials may be given to the Center for Hospice & Palliative Care, South Bend, or Jamestown United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.billingsfuneralhome.com.