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Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mr. Ergie Smith

11/19/1928 - 2/15/2025

Text:

Obituary For Mr. Ergie Smith

Ergie R. Smith, Jr.

A Life Well Lived

Personal Philosophy: "Whatever it is, I want to do it well." — Ergie R. Smith, Jr.

A beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, family member, and friend,

Ergie R. Smith, Jr. passed away peacefully on February 15, 2025. At age 96, he transitioned surrounded by loved ones, having impacted untold numbers of lives because of his unique ability to model and teach life lessons in the home, classroom, athletic field, the church or sometimes just along the way. He made his life count.

FAMILY
"The strength of a family, like the strength of an army, lies in its loyalty to each other." — Unknown

Born November 19,1928 in Switchback, WV to the parentage of the late Ergie, Sr. and Betty Mary Smith.

Ergie, Jr. was reared in Keystone, WV with one sister, Bernice Smith Howard. Valuing family ties and committed to serving his community well, Coach Smith remained in McDowell County until retirement. Welch, WV was his home for most of his life, and it was there that he and his late wife, Helen Christian Smith, welcomed Alexis Michelle (Shelly) and Keith Langston to complete their family. Family continued to be his greatest joy throughout life. He loved being with his family, always looking forward to the next time, yet he had learned to truly be in the moment when they were together. His desire to remain personally connected with each member propelled him to remain up to date with the latest technology. Children, grandchildren, and friends looked forward to his daily calls, texts, posts, and emails as well as in-person visits. He genuinely cared about what was going on in the lives of his loved ones and made it his mission to stay connected.

EDUCATION & EDUCATOR
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” — South African President Nelson Mandela

Always eager to learn, Ergie graduated from Kimball High School in 1948 before attending Bluefield State College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1952. His educational achievements continued with the completion of a Master of Arts from the WV College of Graduate Studies.

His positive influence and impact within the educational community was recognized by the conferring of an honorary doctorate by Bluefield State College.

Ergie began his teaching career at Gary District High School (GDHS) in 1953 and remained there until it closed in 1965 due to racial integration.

While coaching at GDHS, Ergie received his beloved moniker, "Coach Smith." That name is how he was known by those whom he coached as well as those who had no athletic experiences with him. From leading the first football and basketball teams to his lasting presence in the community, he remained Coach Smith until his final days. Upon the closure of GDHS,

Coach Smith moved from the classroom to the role of Deputy Director of the Council of Southern Mountains in Welch, WV, a Community Action Agency where he served from 1965-1972. Although he served the agency admirably, in 1972 his heart took him back to his true calling - teacher and coach. Coach Smith returned to teaching at Gary High School where he was also a highly successful head basketball coach. When Gary and Welch high schools consolidated to become Mount View High School, he continued to be instrumental in the lives of students, faculty, and families as he served as dean, athletic director, and assistant/vice principal. After a career that spanned four decades and positively impacted thousands of lives, Ergie retired in 1990.

PERSONAL ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENTS
"It doesn't matter what your background is or where you come from, if you have dreams and goals, that's all that matters." — Serena Williams

Kimball High School
Letterman - Football, Basketball, Baseball and Track

Football Team Captain

Basketball Team Captain

All County and All State Halfback

1947 All County, Sectional, Regional & State Tournaments Basketball Selection

Bluefield State College

1948-1951 Four Year Letterman

1950 Football Co-Captain

1951 All CIAA & Pittsburgh Courier All American Running Back

1951 Football Captain

Leading scorer and ground gainer during four-year career

COACHING ACHIEVEMENTS & RECOGNITIONS
Football Won 84 Lost 36

Basketball Won 504 Lost 206

Career Championships
Football: 7 County 1 State in 1956

Basketball: 15 County 10 Regional

“AA” State Runner Up 1962

“A” State Championship 1965 Gary District High School

“AA” State Championship 1973 Gary High School

Honors & Service
1964 McDowell County Centennial Sports Great Player and Coach

1983-1984 Regional Basketball Coach of the Year

1983-1984 McDowell County Basketball Coach of the Year

OFFICIATING ACHIEVEMENTS & RECOGNITIONS

Baseball
Umpired 10 WV State High School Baseball Tournaments

Umpired 20 American Legion State Baseball Tournaments Umpired 16 WV Intercollegiate Conference Tournaments

Umpired 5 National Intercollegiate Association Regional Baseball Tournaments

Umpired Major League Development League (Appalachian League) 4 Years

Pictured on Cover of Little League Umpire Manual

Featured in the Little League Anniversary Book

Only West Virginian to umpire Little League, Big League, & American Legion Baseball World Series in his era

Umpired Little League World Series Championship in Williamsport, PA, which was televised on Wide World of Sports in 1982

Football
Officiated 10 State Playoff Games

Honors
1997 National Federation Officials Association Official of the Year

2001 WV Intercollegiate Umpire of the Year

COMMUNITY SERVANT & HONOREE
McDowell County Citizen of the Year - Selected by Welch Daily

1975 News

1991 Education

First African American elected to McDowell County Board of Education

2003 2008 2008 2010 American Legion Officials Service Award

Bluefield State College Outstanding Service Award

WV All Black Sports Hall of Fame

Bluefield State College Hall of Fame Inductee

WV Educational Association Minority Affairs Educator of the Year

Kimball High School Distinguished Alumnus Award

ORGANIZATIONS & AFFILIATIONS
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

National GDHS Alumni Scholarship Committee Member

Bluefield State College Alumni Association Member

Kimball High School Alumni Association - Lifetime Member Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church

NAACP - Lifetime Member

Past Little League World Series Umpires Alumni International

Past National Federation Officials Association

Past National Federation Coaches Association

Past WV Secondary Schools Officials Advisor Committee

LEGACY
May the work I've done speak for me.

Even though Coach Ergie Smith received many accolades from sports through the years, he didn't want to be viewed as just a sports guy. He wanted his involvement in sports to provide opportunities to influence the young men he coached and with whom he worked. Additionally, he wanted his voice to make a difference in the community. His legacy is the achievement of those goals and so much more.

Coach Smith will be remembered for his love of music, particularly blues, gospel, and jazz. His lifelong embrace of healthy movement starting in his high school sports days and moving to regular walks in his retirement years in Princeton, WV kept him vibrant all of his life. He never stopped moving and he never stopped learning. As one who wanted to stay on the cutting edge of technology, he purchased and fully utilized both a computer and cellphone when they were first available to the public. His faith was important to him because it gave him inner peace. He loved theological discussions with others. He faithfully attended Sunday School and church, serving as an usher or wherever he was needed. When faced with cancer, his faith sustained him as he bravely confronted and fought the disease.

Ergie was predeceased by his parents, his wife of 49 years, Helen Christian Smith, and his sister, Bernice Smith Howard.

He is survived by his children: Alexis (Dwight) Street; Keith (Letitia) Smith; grandchildren, Brandyn (George) Irby; Chance Smith and great-grandchild, Jaida Spoon.

“It was my mission — and a part of my faith — to help improve the situation, not only of individuals, but of my community, my church and any organization I’ve been surrounded with.” — Ergie R. Smith, Jr. (upon receiving the West Virginia All-Black Schools Sports and Academic Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award.

Memorial service will be 12:00PM Saturday, March 1, 2025 at the Bluefield State University Gymnasium 219 Rock St. Bluefield. Inurnment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, Prosperity.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may visit with the family one-hour prior.

The service will be live-streamed on YouTube at the link listed below: https://www.youtube.com/live/B3XWJh1uexA

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Mount View High School Boys Basketball Team c/o Mount View High School 950 Mount View Road Welch WV 24801.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

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Condolences

03/03/2025

The Dillard Family

To The Smith Family: So sorry to hear of Coach Smith's passing. He consistently exhibited warmth and support, and his absence will be profoundly felt. Please accept our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. The Dillard Family – Kimball, WVA, Durham, NC, Manhattan, NYC
03/02/2025

Edmund DiBacco

Very sorry to hear of my dear umpiring buddies passing. Ergie was a great umpire and even a greater person.
03/01/2025

Sabrina Leath-Morrison

Words cannot express the sorrow felt when I heard of Coach Smith's passing. He and my father were good friends, and he would frequently stop to see him. It was very much appreciated. May God's loving presence comfort you, His perfect peace restore you, and His promise of eternal life sustain you during this time of loss. To the entire Smith Family, may you know that God is always with you in your time of loss. He's closer than a falling tear, yet He's ever present and always near. Many prayers and blessings to the family. Coach Smith will truly be missed by everyone who knew him, because he touched so many lives.
03/01/2025

Thomas Street

Coach you will be missed, by his love ones, he was truly a beacon of light, love, peace, joy and happiness. We love you, Thomas, Jeannette, Joy and Jalya from Germany
02/28/2025

JOE FITTS, President, Kimball High School National Alumni Assoc.

TO THE FAMILY OF ERGIE SMITH, (FOR COACH SMITH AS THEY CALLED HIM AT GARY HIGH SCHOOL), WE HAVE LOST ONE OF THE BEST THAT GOD HONORED US WITH ON THIS EARTH AND NOW HIS WORK IS DONE HERE, GOD HAS CALLED HIM FROM A JOB SO MAGNIFICANTLY ACCOMPLISHED AND WE THE KIMBALLITES OF THE KIMBALLA HIGH SCHOOL NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOC., (AND HIS KHS CLASS OF 1947) SAY TO YOU, THE SPORTS LEGACY OF ERGIE IS BEAMING SO STRONGLY AMONG US ALL. HE IS NOW WITH HIS COACH. Kimball High School National Alumni Assoc (JOE FITTS, President)
02/28/2025

Victor Simpson

I would like to extend my heart felt condolences to Mr. Ergie Smith family. Shelley and Keith we are praying with you thru these tough times. Victor Simpson
02/27/2025

Cecilia Sims

My condolences to the Smith family. Cousin Ergie Jr. always checked on my dad Robert Arrington Jr. and that would make his day. May they find each other in the father's house of many mansions. May God comfort, strengthen and guide you in this tender time. In my prayers cousin Cecilia
02/27/2025

Rebecca Trigg Fourqurean

To the family of Ergie Smith, I extend my heartfelt sympathy to each of you. Coach Smith was an extraordinary man, so pleasant and kind. Coach Smith nominated my late husband (Joe Fourqurean) for the Bluefield State Hall of Fame in 2012. Coach Smith was one of the first people to contact me when my husband passed. I loved seeing and talking with him after church when he would visit Columbus, OH. RIH Becky Trigg Fourqurean
02/26/2025

Andre Leath

Our deepest condolences are extended to The Smith Family in this time of loss. Mr. Ergie was a very nice man, and a good friend of my Father. He will always be remembered not only in McDowell County, but the State of WV as well!. May GOD be with the family, and do lean on him for the added strength, that he will provide. Mr. & Mrs. Andre M. Leath & Family
02/26/2025

Pastor Kathie D Holland

Shelley, Keith and the Smith Family, I extend my sincere sympathy to you in the loss of a General, Ergie! You were blessed with the best. A great man has now taken his eternal rest from decades of labor in giving of his time, talent, love and care to so many, many people. I'm going to miss his contagious smile, his smooth voice, and loving words of encouragement. So much I could... Until we meet again, my dearest cousin, Rest in Eternal Peace Pastor Kathie D Holland P
02/26/2025

Alicia Guyton

Our Heartfelt Condolences to the Smith Family. Mr. Smith was a longtime friend of our family and was a classmate of out mother(Susie Guyton) at Bluefield State. He had a life well lived and i am sure you will miss him. He and our mother, Susie, talked all the time and worked with the BSU Mercer County Alumni Assn. Our prayers and sympathy to you. Guyton Family
02/25/2025

Michele Dearing

Uncle Ergie will be missed. With deepest sympathy. - Michele Dearing
02/25/2025

Sharon deshazo

To the Smith family my condolences to you all . Coach Smith was a good man and he will truly be missed . Sharon McDaniel -DeShazo
02/25/2025

Beverly Penn Wolfe

With Deepest Sympathy to Coach Smith's Family, those we love don't go away, they walk beside us everyday, unseen, unheard, but always near, still Loved Still missed and very Dear. Beverly Penn Wolfe, Richmond, Va
02/24/2025

Mary C. Swain

So sorry. My condolences. Was my driving teacher at Gary High. And I obtained my license. Thank you
02/24/2025

John David Brant

On behalf of Sabrina and I and the entire John D. Brant Family, I would like to offer our heartfelt sympathies to all of you. They did not come any finer than Ergie. The consummate gentleman – as well as Coach – we thought the world of him. Our father – John Sr. – would have echoed the same sentiments of Ergie as he was one of Dad's favorite contemporaries in McDowell County. Perhaps they were planning their next basketball or football game – or talking about how tough the game they were preparing to referee together would be for them. Again – our heartfelt sympathies.
02/24/2025

William Reid

Ergie was a Gentleman, and friend of our immediate and extended family. He and my Father ( Kemper West) were long time friends. My husband and I spoke often with Ergie about Family and Life in general. Rest In Peace dear friend. ❤️❤️🙏🏽🙏🏽. Bill Reid & Vondelere West Reid
02/23/2025

David Hickman

Mr.Smith (Ergie )Was A Really Good Person And Helped Everyone He Could, I Always ENJOYED Talking With Him Whenever We Met! Gone But Not Forgotten !!!
02/23/2025

Ruth "INEZ" COLVIN-GRAVES

You Always were my Hero...taught life lessons...refined out-dated books and found many..many ways to teach us "real" life...things that sustained us in our Life's Journey...You not only was a Teacher..you were our Parent...and didn't have a problem "whipping " you if you got out of line...loved us all..whether in class..playing Sports..etc...you taught us to be ladies and gentlemen always and you instilled at least to me..that there was no "mountain" high enough to not climb...God may have taken the body but he left peices of you in all of our hearts and minds.. Family of Coach..you have been Blessed with 96 years of his being...R.I.H Coach...Good and Faithful Servant...You will be missed!
02/22/2025

Ronald Spencer

It's hard to summarize or find the words to describe what Ergie Smith meant to so many. The words he shared definitely change the path of life that many of us took. His words made us all better and we say thank you Coach Ergie Smith. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. God Bless! Ron Spencer
02/22/2025

Wanda Swain

My deepest sympathy to the family, RIP Coach!
02/22/2025

Jerry and Donna Monarchy Lambert

Our condolences to Alexis and Keith and their respective families. Ergie was a wonderful man and we both loved him! Donna remembers her first teaching job at Gary high school and the positive impact Ergie provided. I will always recall how he got me into umpiring and the mentoring he provided.We will forever hold him in high esteem. We can't be with you but our thoughts and prayers are with all of you Jerry and Donna Monarchy Lambert
02/21/2025

Thomas Donald Robinson

Thank you coach for all you did for me and the students at Gary District High School. Your memory will live in our hearts forever.
02/21/2025

Madeline Greene

I remember Arthur. When I was a little girl, he and my sister, Jackie Sinkford were friends. He was always very kind to Jackie's little sister. RIP Ergie. Madeline Greene
02/20/2025

Marcus Enoch

Coach it was an honor to be in your presence and the words of encouragement that you gave us all at a young age playing basketball. To Coach Smith Chance and Mrs Tish my family and I are praying for you all. -Marcus Enoch
02/20/2025

Michael Leath

My Heartfelt Condolences to the Family. Coach Smith's legacy will live on forever in the lives that he touched throughout the years of teaching and coaching.
02/20/2025

Norma Nixon

My husband and I had the opportunity to meet and become friends of Ergie about 25 years ago when he would visit our dear friend Toni Carter. We'll miss his sharp mind and lots of laughs when we met for dinner or in playing games at Toni's or in our recent visit to Charlotte.We share in your sorrow and we know we'll see him again. Rest in heavenly peace, Ergie. You'll be missed. Jim and Norma Nixon
02/20/2025

Wilbert & Doris McCormick

Our deepest condolences to Coach Smith's family. Coach Smith has touched so many year men's lives. Not only did he teach them basketball he taught them to be great men that have honor and integrity. They should be honored that they were a part of their lives. May God's richest blessings be bestowed upon each of you. Wilbert and Doris Boyden-McCormick
02/20/2025

Daisy Bolden

I would like to extend my sincerest condolences to Alexis and the entire Smith family. May God provide you with strength and comfort during this time.
02/20/2025

Valerie Phelps

To the Smith family: We're so sorry for your loss. May God be your strength at this difficult time. God bless you all. Kent and Valerie q
02/19/2025

Samuel Woody

Condolences to the Smith family. Sending healing prayers and comfort during this tough time.
02/19/2025

Valerie Phelps

To Connie Sherman and Family. Our prayers and heartfelt sympathy are with you all at this difficult time. Mr. Smith was a very kind man. He was an awesome coach as well. May you find comfort knowing that we care & love the family so much. Kent and Valerie Phelps
02/18/2025

Roselle/Maurice Robinson

To the families of Mr. Ergie. We are deeply sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and love. May God keep you all.
02/18/2025

Steve Crosier

Great man could do it all and did it with class and humility Coach Steve Crosier
02/18/2025

Judy

To Alexis and Family my Condolences to you and your family! Coach will truly be missed I'm so very grateful that we crossed path even though it was for a short time I will always remember your kindness I'm going to miss talking with you!! RI P Coach. Judy Scott from Sunrise
02/17/2025

Adrian Lewis

To Keith and Leticia, we send our prayers as you celebrate the life of the Legend, Coach Smith. Your love and memories will stay warm until you meet again! Gail & Adrian Lewis
02/17/2025

Minister Tomie & Delois Walters

Our condolences to Keith and family. Coach Smith was a great man, Coach, athlete, and most of all a child of GOD. He will definitely be missed. May the peace of GOD comfort you during this difficult time.
02/17/2025

Evelyn Maben-Hall

You were a hero. You spent your life working toward improving the lives of others and bringing joy to many lives. You will missed but always remembered for your kindness. R.I.P. coach Smith.
02/16/2025

Sheila Barner

Godspeed Coach Smith. I will always remember you as a great example to all of your students, not just the athletes. I remain forever grateful for the words of encouragement and kindness from you. To a life well lived.