Paul Smith Jr

Paul Smith Jr, PawPaw, passed from this life on November 9th. In his last moments, as in all of his good days, he was surrounded by the joyful and ruckus sounds of his family especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was blessed with 81 years.

Paul was born in Limestone County on July 1, 1944 to Paul and Sarah Smith. He graduated from Clements High School and served his nation in the National Guard.

Paul was known as a farmer and lover of animals, especially horses. More importantly, he was a lifelong member of the Coxey community working with his friends to create services like the county water service and the Clements Volunteer Fire Department. He was an elder at Coxey Church of Christ and faithfully served her members whom he loved dearly.

Paul is survived by his bride of over 60 years, Betty; his children – Micki (David), Mike (Amy) and Sam (Nickie); grandchildren – Ben, Mary Beth, Erin, Ashlyn, Parker, Carter, Shadda Claire, Brantley, Collin and Connor and great grandchildren Grady, Millie and Paulie Faye.

Thank you to the care givers that made Paul’s last years comfortable, especially Stephanie Glass with Davita Dialysis in Florence and Craig Thigpen with CenterWell Home Health. A special thanks to the people at Independent Medical and Amedisys Hospice Florence for granting his wish to be at Smith Lane for his final days. Samantha Mitchell, Jason Pearce, Carmen Fretwell, Stephanie Wallace, Dr. Adam Isbell and Nickie Smith all went above and beyond to provide outstanding care on short notice.

Pallbearers are Ben McPherson, Parker Smith, Carter Smith, Jason Bailey, John Lovell, Phillip Adair, and Thad Hebbe (honorary).