Rev. Chester Wayne "Smitty" Smith, 97, of Anderson, died peacefully at his residence surrounded by his loving family on April 21, 2022.
He was born March 7, 1925 in Overton County, Tennessee, the son of Dewey W. and Stella Erma (Garrett) Smith. He was in the Civilian Conservation Core in California. He worked in machine repair at Nicholson File for 10 years, Lynch Corporation for 10 years and Delco Remy for 18 years before retiring in 1989 as a tool and die maker.
He served in the United States Army Air Force and was a tail gunner in the Pacific Theatre during World War II.
He was a member of Liberty Grove Baptist Church and was a minister and also worked in prison ministry. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.
He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Mary (Brown) Smith of Anderson, whom he married April 3, 1948 in Alexandria; three children, Carol Olin and Douglas (Diana) Smith all of Anderson and Dale (Cheryl) Smith of Alexandria; sister, Betty Faye Johnson of Pendleton; two brothers, Ray (Patsy) Smith of Anderson and Elzie (Lou) Smith of Ohio; six grandchildren, Lisa Smith of Anderson; Leighann (Gary) Davis of Elwood, Kyle Olin of Iowa, Kevin Olin, Candice (Josh) Beckley and Josh Smith all of Anderson; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; five siblings, Walter Garrett, Keen, Herbert, Steve Smith and Ida Mae Clark and a great-grandson, Derek Davis.
Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 28, 2022 at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service with Pastor Hervey Lawrence of Liberty Grove Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in East Maplewood Cemetery with military rites by Daleville American Legion honor guard.
Visitation will be Wednesday, April 27, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be given to Wounded Warrior Project.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com.