In Loving Memory
July 15, 1925 – September 11, 2014
Fairhope, AL
Vernon Mathis Smith, born July 15, 1925, died September 11, 2014. Vernon was married to his dear Joyce for over 66 years, full of many joys. Vernon grew up in Boaz, AL, the son of Lee H. and Barbara (Bobbie) Smith. He graduated from Snead Jr. College and earned a degree in Chemical Engineering from Auburn University with the highest grade point average in Chemical Engineering that had been achieved to that point. At Auburn, he was a member of engineering honor societies and the Lambda Chi Alpha social fraternity. War Eagle!!
Vernon and Joyce met at Snead, married following Auburn, and lived in Boaz with children Jim (Joyce) Smith and Barbara (Rudy) Griffin. They were faithful Auburn football season ticket holders for many years. After a very successful career in Boaz as owner of Vernon Smith Motors, he and Joyce settled in Lillian, AL and then Fairhope Homestead Village for their retirement years, making and entertaining many new friends. Vernon also was a dedicated member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, Boaz, the Lillian United Methodist Church, and the Fairhope United Methodist Church, and volunteered his time to serve with numerous volunteer organizations. He was a 50 year member of Masonic Lodge.
A memorial service will be held at Fairhope United Methodist Church at 2:00pm, Sunday September 14, 2014. A public visitation will follow immediately at Hughes Funeral Home in Daphne, from 4:00 to 5:30pm. Graveside services will be at 10:00am, Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at Hillcrest Cemetery in Boaz, AL
The family requests no flowers. Expressions of condolence may be made at hughesfh.com. Funeral arrangements are by Hughes Funeral Home & Crematory, 7951 American Way, Daphne, AL and McRae Funeral Home, Boaz, AL
Dear Barbara and Family,
I was so sorry to hear about your father. I did not know until it was too late to come to the cemetery. I am so sorry. I can always remember how he treated us like we all belonged to him. He came and fixed L. T.’s car one night for us, when you were not even there. I will never for get him and remember him often. The only time i ever went to Callaway was with his parents and I will never forget that. They were also good to us. I am sending my love to you. Sorry Again, but I know nothing makes this better. Love Sandi