W.E. Smith

OAK RIDGE, Mo. -- W.E. "Wib" Smith, 79, died Tuesday, March 12, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

Born Feb. 17, 1923, in Marquand, Mo., he was the son of George and Lillie Newell Smith.

On Sept. 19, 1942, he was married to Rose Marie Keller.

In his early life, Smith drove a coal truck for Virgil Johnson of Leachville, Ark. In January 1943, he joined the U.S. Army and served in World War II. After his discharge in December 1945, he went to work in the timber industry until his retirement.

He was a member of the Christ Gospel Church of Millersville, Mo.

Survivors include his wife; four sons, W. L. "Leo" Smith of Tennessee, Larry Smith of Frohna, Mo., Gary Smith of Fruitland, Mo., Bob Smith of Jackson, Mo.; three daughters, Zettie Newman of Oak Ridge, Brenda McClain of Oran, Mo., Patsy Smith of Cape Girardeau; a brother, Jesse Smith of Marble Hill, Mo.; three sisters, Fredia Cornell of Millersville, Betty Williams of Cape Girardeau and Edna Seabaugh of Jackson; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and six step-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, two brothers and three sisters preceded him in death.

Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. to noon Thursday at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson.

Visitation will continue at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Christ Gospel Church of Millersville. Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at the church with the Rev. Sam Rogers officiating. Burial will follow in the Old Salem Methodist Cemetery in Millersville, with a Missouri Honor Guard graveside service.