W. A. "Dick" Smith, 87, of Mt. Vernon died 7:45 p.m. March 4, 2005, at Okeechobee Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Okeechobee, Fla.

He worked at Pressed Steel Car Manufacturing Co. before and after the war. He was also a pipe fitter and welder.

Mr. Smith was born July 3, 1917, in Jefferson County to Robert C. and Verne (Merritt) Smith.

He first married Joyce Louise (Holloway) Smith Jan. 1, 1937, in Mt. Vernon; she died.

He then married Betty B. (Sharpe) Smith Oct. 28, 1989, in Mt. Vernon; she survives.

Per the request of Mr. Smith, his body will be cremated and the family will hold a graveside memorial service at a later date. No public visitation will be held. Burial will be in Williams Cemetery.

Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Betty Smith of Mt. Vernon; two sons, Robert L. Smith and wife Carolann of Mt. Vernon and Richard L. Smith and wife Kathy of Mt. Vernon; four grandchildren, Adrienne Smith, Christopher Smith, Matthew Smith and Susan Smith; two great-grandchildren; brothers Ralph Smith and wife Ruth Ella of Opdyke and Roy E. Smith and wife Bernice of Okeechobee, Fla.; a sister, Roberta Bumpus and husband Delbert of Vero Beach, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife; and four brothers, Diamond, Floyd, Claude and Sidney Smith.

Mr. Smith served during World War II, obtaining the rank of corporal in the United States Army Air Corps. He was a member of American Legion Post 141, Mt. Vernon Moose Lodge 755 and Park Avenue Baptist Church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, where you may call 242-3348 for further information.

Source: Register-News
Date: March 8, 2005
Submitted by: Robert W. Loman