Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mr. Homer Smith

12/29/1935 - 07/20/2024

Text:

Obituary For Mr. Homer Smith

Mr. Homer Eugene Smith, 88, of Beckley, WV, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 20, 2024 following a long illness. He fought a good fight, he finished the course, and he kept the faith.

Homer was the eighth of twelve children born to the late James and Susie Morgan Smith of Slab Fork, WV on December 29, 1935.

Homer was a long-time, faithful member of the Holiness Church of Jesus, where he was an ordained deacon, a member of the board of trustees, Sunday school teacher and served as Superintendent of the Sunday School.

Homer, after graduating from Byrd Prillerman High School, took a job working for an Esso company, then Barracks and eventually UPS, where he delivered packages and drove tractor-trailer for 32 years. While working at Barracks, he learned to upholster vehicle seats and turned this skill into a small business of his own (S&L Upholstery). He also worked as a carpenter and learned to build houses. He built several homes, including the one he lived in with his family.

Homer was a man of many talents and hobbies. He loved being outdoors and working with his hands. He built a 1929 Model A Ford car and a helicopter in his spare time. He was determined to learn to fly airplanes, so he took flying lessons and became a member of the New River Flying Club. He remained a member of the flying club for over 50 years, where he was the maintenance officer and made sure the club plane was well maintained with an impeccable safety record.

Homer was a devoted and loving father, brother, grandfather and friend. He was preceded in death by five brothers, Herbert Smith, James Smith, Charles “Buck: Smith, John “Tuck” Smith, and Frazier “Mookie” Smith and two sisters, Margaret “Pie” Moore and Frances “Mug” Wright.

Homer leaves to cherish his memories, wife Delores Smith; five children, Vickie Mack, Cassandra (Rev. Dr. Jerry) Staples, Larry Smith, and Michelle Smith, all of Beckley, WV and Robin Henry of Atlanta, GA; ten grandchildren, Derrick Staples, Sr. of Charleston, WV, Jheri Staples of Beckley, WV, Clinton “CJ” (Ashley) Staples of Daniels, WV, Lindsey Smith of Beckley, WV, Brittany Stewart-(Ryan) Allen of Atlanta, GA, Breana Stephenson of Beckley, WV, Samaya (Allen)Turner of Atlanta, GA, LaRae Lawson of Beckley, WV, Samone Henry of Atlanta, GA, and Samaria Henry of Atlanta, GA; nine great-grandchildren, T’Aria Peck, Zaniah Shelton, Zion Staples, Tyreek Juellz Gray, Derrick (DJ) Staples, Jr., Zurah Watts, Brayden Hawthorne, Zyon Hawthorne, and Ryann Allen; two brothers, Joseph (Jeanette) Smith and Raymond (Charlene) Smith; two sisters, Mary Green and Charlotte Logan, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Saturday, August 3, 2024 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church 142 Mool Ave Beckley with Rev. Dr. Jerry Staples officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity.

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

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

08/11/2024

Elinor Mann Agee

My dear sweet Deloris & family. We go way back in high school and during our sweetheart days. I am so proud of the life that you and Homer shared. A righteous wife will have a righteous household. God has picked one of HIS flowers and brother Homer had to answer HIS call. God bless him and his dedication to our children who so badly need to know at an early age in Sunday school about the goodness of the LORD. Another soldier has gone home. Minister Elinor Mann Agee
08/04/2024

David Halstead

Worked with Homer at ups. He was a fair and honest man. Always giving good advice. My sympathy to his family.
08/03/2024

Liz Hardy and Family

Prayers and condolences to Missy and family.
08/03/2024

Dana

Robin I'm so sorry for your loss,You and your family have my deepest condolences 🙏🏽🙏🏽
08/03/2024

Marva Waller

To Charlotte and Family: Even as we mourn, we can remember the good times, be comforted by the Love, and celebrate a life well-lived. With Deepest Sympathy , The Gilbert Families.
08/03/2024

BARBARA CLAYTOR

Dear Family, our love, sympathy, & prayers go out to each of you! Our heart is saddened but joy comes in the morning, we believe. Just hold on to the hands of Jesus! We're here for you. Love, CW & BARBARA
08/03/2024

Marlene Martien

Our condolences to you "Winky" and the family. You know I would be there if I could. Love and prayers to you all Marlene and mom
08/02/2024

Mamie Millner

Our Heartfelt Condolences go out to the Smith Family Praying for Strength and Comfort during this time. God Bless you all! ~The Millner Family
07/31/2024

Delores Robinson

Sending love and prayers to The Smith Family....Lois know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time...Your friend and Stratton Alumni Classmate Delores Robinson
07/26/2024

Garnette

Robin, my deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. I truly understand, you'll are in my thoughts and prayers during this time 🙏🏾 🥰 —Garnette Shepherd
07/25/2024

Sabrina Smith

My heart goes out to the family.
07/25/2024

The Whittenburg /Patterson Family

To the entire family of Mr Homer... We extend our sincere condolences to you during this difficult period of grief.. Mr. Homer was a kind man to our family, a good neighbor.. he and Miss Lois.. just good people as well as their family. May God's grace and strength be a shelter to you all.,, Prayerfully 💜
07/25/2024

Cleovis Scott

SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF BROTHER HOMER SMITH, A LONG TIME MEMBER OF THE HOLINESS CHURCH OF JESUS. MAY GOD BLESS YOU DURING THESE DIFFICULT TIMES. THE CHILDREN OF MOTHER MARY E. SCOTT (Gracie, Cleovis and Ruth Ann)
07/25/2024

Hope Knox

My Deepest condolences to the Smith family Mr.Smith was a very sweet man always showing me love To God Be The Glory Hope Knox
07/24/2024

Yvonne Staples-Brown

To the family, we sincerely send our condolences and prayers!! Our hearts are with you and please know if you ever want or need anything, please reach out to us and we'll be happy to provide assistance with anything!! We're praying always for strength for you All !! First Lady Cassandra and Pastor Jerry know we Love You!! Sincerely much love Micheal Brown and Yvonne Staples-Brown
07/24/2024

Wilbert & Doris McCormick

Our deepest sympathy to the Smith Family. Our prayers will be that God will wrap His arms around this family to give them comfort. Wilbert & Doris Boyden-McCormick
07/24/2024

Pat Elder

My heartfelt sympathy to the family
07/24/2024

Debby Giles

My deepest sympathy to the Smith family. May God comfort you during this difficult time. I pray God Blessings upon the family. Debby Giles
07/24/2024

Harrietta Johnson

Condolences to the Smith Family Praying
07/23/2024

Brenda Underwood

Brenda Underwood
07/23/2024

Charlene Wynes Davis

Prayers- Charlene Wynes Davis
07/22/2024

Subrina Potter

My deepest sympathy to the Smith family. Praying that God will comfort you during this difficult time. Subrina Dews Potter
07/22/2024

Angel Lawson
07/21/2024

Delena Jones

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Homer Smith family during their time of loss. Our prayers will be with you in days to come. Love Bishop James and Delena Jones