Ernest H. Smith, 88, of Gainesville, Florida, died Friday, September 9, 2016, at Community Hospice in Jacksonville, Florida.
Graveside services will be held 2 PM, Thursday, September 15, 2016, at Arbor Cemetery with the Rev. Dr. Lloyd Stembridge officiating.
Mr. Smith was born July 5, 1928, in Fitzgerald, Georgia, to the late William E. & Carrie M. Penn Smith. He owned and operated an air conditioning and refrigeration business. He served his country honorably in the United States Army and Georgia National Guard. He was of the Baptist faith.
He is survived by his daughter, Len Smith McGhin and her husband Buddy of Jacksonville, Florida; a son, Allen Smith and his wife Donna of High Springs, Florida; grandchildren: Chad McGhin, Amanda & Chris Daniels, Jennifer McClendon, Carrie & Anthony Kane, and William & Kacie Smith; five great-grandsons; two great-granddaughters; a sister, M. Irene Smith of Fitzgerald; as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Glendora Morris Smith; six brothers; and one sister.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Community Hospice, Dr. Gaston J. Acosta-Rua Center for Caring, 5450 Ramona Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205.