Dennis L. Smith

Dennis L. Smith, 81, of Connersville, died Monday afternoon, June 1, 2015, at his residence. Dennis was born August 31, 1933 to William R. “Bill” and Mary K. “Billie” May Smith in Oliver Spring, Tennessee and graduated from Milton High School in Wayne County in 1950. On June 28, 1953, Dennis married the former Audrey L. Wagers. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1954 and served during the Korean War as a Motor Machinist’s Mate Third Class aboard the USS Kenneth D. Bailey. Dennis owned and operated Denny Smith Builders until his retirement in 1997. He had also worked at Design and Manufacturing in Connersville and had established his strong work ethic as a child working on the farm. Dennis was an active member of the Calvary Baptist Church and was active with the youth group for over 50 years. He held several positions within the church including deacon, church treasurer, Sunday School superintendent and teacher. In his leisure time, Dennis enjoyed attending his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s many activities. Dennis is survived by his wife of almost 62 years; his sons and their wives: Derek Smith and Shelli of Salem; Dudley R. Smith and Kerrie of Connersville; three grandchildren: Abigail Howard and her husband, Tim; Lydia Smith and Adam Smith, all of Connersville; three great-grandchildren: Branson, Sawyer and Presley Howard; his brother: William “Jerry” Smith and his wife, Peggy of Rockmart, Georgia; his sister: Pat Lilley and her husband, Larry of Houston, Texas; a sister-in-law: Caterina Smith of Florida; several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Dennis was also preceded in death by his brother, Timothy Smith. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday at Calvary Baptist Church with Pastor John Reynolds officiating. Interment will follow in Doddridge Chapel Cemetery in Wayne County. Friends may visit at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville, from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and after 10 a.m. Saturday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Calvary Baptist Youth Group.