Russell Wilson Smith, 83, of Route 3, Box 303, Buckhannon, died Sunday, March 24, 2002, at his home in Buckhannon.
He was born Jan. 8, 1919, in Upshur County, a son of the late Paris Jesse and Blanch Goodwin Smith.
On Nov. 18, 1945, he married Veva Lorena Hyre Smith, who survives.
Also surviving are one son, David Smith and wife, Charlotte, Buckhannon; one daughter, Judy Patterson and husband, Terry, Buckhannon; three grandsons, Jeffrey Patterson and wife, Debbie, Buckhannon, Todd Smith and wife, Susan, Apex, N.C., and Rodney Smith and wife, Marketa, Raleigh, N.C.; one granddaughter, Vikki Rovello and husband, Rod, Buckhannon; two great-granddaughters, Whitney Patterson and Ciara Rovello, both of Buckhannon; two great-grandsons, Joshua Rovello and Zachary Patterson, both of Buckhannon; several nieces and nephews and many friends.
He was preceded in death by five brothers, Henry Smith, Parley Smith, Basil Smith, Evert Smith and Orla Smith; two sisters, Avis Smith and Erma Casto; and one half brother, Earnest Smith.
Mr. Smith was a maintenance supervisor for the Upshur County Board of Education. He served in the U.S. Army from March 28, 1942, until Nov. 3, 1945, in Southern Philippines, Luson, New Guinea, Bismarck and Archipelago. He was attached to the 1st Calvary Division with 8th Engineers. His decorations and citations received were the Asiatic-pacific Theater ribbon with four Bronze Stars, American Theater Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two Bronze Stars and a good conduct medal.
He was a lifetime member of Buckhannon VFW Post 3663. He was a member of Rocky Ford United Methodist Church in Buckhannon.
Friends will be received at Poling-st. Clair Funeral Home Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be in the funeral home chapel Thursday at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Robert Fulton officiating. Interment will follow in Rocky Ford Church Cemetery in Buckhannon.
