Merrill Eugene Smith

Merrill Eugene Smith, 78, of Urbana, died on Friday, May 16, 2014 in Mercy McAuley Center, Urbana. He was born on September 4, 1935 in Champaign County, OH, the son of Albert and Tennis (Turner) Smith. Merrill retired from Fox River Paper Co. after 38 years of service. He was a member of New Hope Mission Church where he served as deacon for nearly 50 years and played music in the church. Merrill was an avid deer hunter and fisherman, a fan of the Cincinnati Reds, OSU Buckeyes and Cincinnati Bengals, and was a Ham radio operator. Survivors include his wife, Betty (Parsons) Smith, who he married August 3, 1957; 3 daughters, Pamela J. Jordan of Springfield, Kathy (Tim) Jordan of Urbana and Marcia Sims of Urbana; daughter-in-law DeNeese Smith Lawrence of Urbana; son, Rex Albert Smith and wife Connie of Urbana; 11 grandchildren, Bradley Smith, Ryan Smith of Urbana, Michael Smith of Cincinnati, Lillian Smith of Cincinnati, Chad Jordan of Urbana, Chassidy Jordan Jenkins of Springfield, Timmy Jordan of Bellefontaine, Adam Merrill Jordan of Urbana, Anthony Shoemaker of Urbana, Heidi Hooten of Urbana and Damon Sims of Urbana; numerous great-grandchildren; sister, Becky Piper of Urbana; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Lewis Smith; great-granddaughter, Alexis; and sisters and brothers. The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2014 in the WALTER & SMITH FUNERAL HOME, Urbana, where a service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2014 with Pastor Jesse Walters and Pastor Doug Hauser officiating. Burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery, North Lewisburg. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.walterfunerals.com.