Carey R. Smith Obituary (1930

Carey Ralston "Smitty" Smith, 88, of Linville, passed away on Monday, April 29, 2019 at his residence. Mr. Smith was born on Nov. 9, 1930 in Rockingham County and was a son of the late Gilmer Arthur and Leola Mae (Ritchie) Smith. After graduating from Linville Edom High School, Carey went to work for Valley Distributors, now CARQUEST Auto. He worked there for more than 40 years until his retirement. Mr. Smith loved Studebakers and Rambler cars, and loved to keep a garden and share his vegetables. Carey was a longtime member of the Cherry Grove United Methodist Church, where he served as trustee, taught Sunday school, and oversaw the cemetery. On April 9, 1949, he married the former Mildred Wenger, who preceded him in death on February 3, 2017 Carey is survived by his children, Gerry Smith and wife Krystal of Linville, Danny "Chaz" Smith and wife Bonita of Linville, Brenda Smith Hess of Harrisonburg, Tommy Smith and wife Carla of Mathias, WV; a sister, Gretchen Varner of Harrisonburg; grandchildren, Leslie Hylton, Eric Hess, Brian Hess, Scott Smith; seven great-grandchildren, Kassi Redifer, Dane Boller, Paul Hess, Micah Hess, Grace Hess, Scarlett Smith, and Baby Brother Smith; one great-great-granddaughter, Abbie Redifer; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved cat "Miss Kitty". In addition to his wife and parents, Carey was preceded in death by two sisters, Leota Martz, June Whitmer; and a granddaughter, Krissy Smith. The funeral service will be held on Friday May 3, 2019 at 11 AM at Cherry Grove United Methodist Church with Rev. Debra Cline officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday May 2, 2019 from 6 until 7 PM at the McMullen Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cat's Cradle, P.O. Box 2128, Harrisonburg, VA 22803; or to the Cherry Grove Cemetery Fund, 9655 Woodlands Church Road, Linville, VA 22834. Those wishing may share a memory or an online condolence by visiting www.mcmullenfh.com Arrangements entrusted to the McMullen Funeral Home.