U. L. Smith

U. L. Smith, 90, of Poplar Bluff, MO and formerly of Cardwell and Kennett, died Saturday, April 11, 2015.

Mr. Smith was Born August 26, 1924 to the late Cecil and Mary Smith in Cave City Arkansas, Mr. Smith is survived by Edna Merle Smith, his wife of 72 years and sons Dr. Shelton (Butch) Smith, his wife, Glenda, of St. Louis, MO and Timothy H. Smith, his wife, Cindy, of Shawnee, Oklahoma. They also helped to raise Earl Maple, who with his wife Judy reside in Huntington Beach, CA. In addition, there are five grandchildren: Heather Smith Hamby, her husband, Craig; Erika Smith Sevic, her husband, Drew; Christopher Smith and his fiancé, Marissa Clark, Susie Smith Vasquez, her husband, Jarrod, Marcus Smith and his wife Haley; five great-grandchildren: Alyssa Hamby, Connor Hamby, Karoline Sevic, Wyatt Sevic, and Jacie Vasquez; a sister, Imogene Sharp; a sister-in-law, Liz Smith, of Charlottesville, VA; a brother, O'Neal Smith, his wife, Eva Jewel; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sisters and three brothers.

Mr. Smith will always be remembered for his 70 years of employment with Riggs Supply Co., and his over 45 years of perfect attendance in Kiwanis. He was also proud of coordinating the teachers for over 35 years at Highland Church of Christ, where over the years he served as a teacher, song leader, and deacon.

He was an avid fisherman, bowler, and gardener as well as an avid follower of Three Rivers basketball and baseball, and St. Louis Cardinals baseball. He was coach to many young men in Little League programs, where he helped to develop more than their baseball skills. He taught work ethics, values, and sportsmanship.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Highland Church of Christ. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Highland Church of Christ with his sons, Butch Smith and Timothy Smith officiating. Interment will follow at the City Cemetery with Vernon Curry officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Paragould Children's Home, Kiwanis, Three Rivers College scholarship fund, or the charity of one's choice.