Ralph T. Smith (Coach Smith) 88, Florence, Alabama, passed away Thursday,
Dec. 18, 2014, in Birmingham, Alabama, with family by his side.
Mr. Smith was employed 33 years by the Florence City School system as a
physical education teacher, basketball and track coach, assistant principal as well
as principal of Coffee High School. He truly loved his students and faculty and
enjoyed his years of service in the school system.
He was a veteran of World War II serving in the army with the 41st division in the
Philippines. His division served with the clean-up operations after the bombing of
Hiroshima.
Preceding Mr. Smith in death was his loving wife, Flora-Bell Farley Smith, sons,
Billy Scott Smith and Brian Dale (Stoney) Smith, parents, John G. and Annie
Kreitner Smith, brothers, Ed, Tallmadge, Bill, Alford, and Clyde Smith, and sisters,
Edna Smith White and Ophelia Smith Keese.
He is survived by his son, Alvin and wife, Chris, Euless, Texas; granddaughter, Laura
Smith Evans and her son, Logan, Trafford, Alabama and granddaughter, Anna Leigh
Smith, Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Mr. Smith is also survived by several loving nephews and
nieces and finally his daughter-in-law, Eleshia Smith, Pinson, Alabama.
The family wishes to thank all caregivers, Dr. Steve Wampler and staff of
Greenhill Family Clinic, the nurses and staff of Merrill Gardens Assisted Living,
Comfort Care Hospice and a special thank you to his favorite sitter, Tammy
Timbes, Rogersville, Alabama. A memorial service will be held at Elkins East Chapel,
Killen, Alabama, on Saturday, Jan. 3, at 1 p.m. with a reception immediately
following. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children’s
Hospital, Mr. Smith’s favorite charity, or to a charity of your choice .
