Chester Carl Smith

Chester Carl Smith, 85, of Springfield, Ohio gained his heavenly reward in the early morning of October 10, 2022.

Carl was born in Home Creek, Virginia, February 27, 1937 to Henry Rufus and Mary Etta Smith. At 4 years old, his family moved to the Smith Ridge community of Jewell Ridge, Virginia, where he would grow up on the family homestead, learning to grow vegetable gardens and fruit trees, along with developing his impeccable work ethic. He would come to follow his father into the coal mining trade, where he would work for 7 years. He married his wife of almost 62 years, Doris Gaynelle Keen, in 1959, a union that would be blessed by the birth of their three sons, Rufus Edward, Randal Keith and Richard Ivan. In 1965, he would follow his brother, Wayne, to Springfield, Ohio, where they would work together at the White Motor Company (later Cooper Energy) for 18 years. After losing employment in the economic downturn of 1983, Carl found work in 1985 at the Springfield Joint Vocational School (JVS), working first as a custodian, then in building maintenance, and finally as a project school bus driver, which he thoroughly enjoyed. He retired in 2003, after over 18 years of service. Carl was a born-again Christian; a member of Message of Hope Ministries church, where he enjoyed several years of fellowship, before being confined to his home due to his advanced stages of failing health. He continued to maintain his faith in Christ through his love for reading God’s word and his faithful prayer life. He loved to receive visitors in his home, where he would be sure to share the gospel with all that he could. He loved all things outdoors, including hunting, fishing, and gardening. He was a true handyman, and could fix almost anything. He was a true friend to all who knew him. Carl was proceeded in death by his parents, and son, Rufus ‘Ed” Smith. He is survived by his wife, Doris, sons Randal and Richard (Karen) Smith, all of Springfield, four grandchildren, John (Jill) Smith of Charlotte, NC, Eric (Kelcey) Smith of Batavia, OH, Molly (Daniel) Smith of New Richmond, OH, Aaron Smith (Marrissa Blansit) of Chattanooga, TN, two great-grandchildren Logan and Audrey Smith, brother, Wayne (Norma) Smith of South Vienna, OH, sister Ada Horn of Meadowview, VA. We will truly miss his vast amount of knowledge about life, his deep love and devotion to his family and friends, and his side-splitting humor and unforgettable stories.

The family would like to thank the staff of Ohio Valley Hospice, especially Whitney, his nurse, and chaplain Rick for their compassionate care and spiritual help during the past months.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday, October 15, 2022 from 11:00-1:00 p.m. at the Jackson Lytle and Lewis Life Celebration Center, Springfield. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Richard Smith. Carl will be laid to rest at Vernon-Asbury Cemetery following the funeral service. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.jacksonlytle.com.