Edward L. Smith

Longtime Evergreen resident, Edward L Smith, Sr. dies at 100 years old.

Mr. Smith peacefully passed away on October 4, 2020. He was a long time resident and civic leader of Evergreen, Alabama, he was loved and respected by family members, friends and colleagues.

Mr Smith was Born in Enterprise, Alabama, on May 19, 1920. He was married to Dorothy Mae Wall for 61 years until her death. He is survived by children; Dorothy Sharyn Nunn (David), Ed Smith, Jr. (Deena), Daniel Reggie Smith (Patricia).

He was known to his Grandchildren as Papa Ed. Grandchildren; Stephen Tyron Nunn (Brett), Lincoln Edward Smith(Katrina), Elizabeth Sandlin Green (Taylor), Daniel Cory Smith ( Silvia), Louis Cody Smith (Kasie). 

Great Grandchildren; Sawyer Smith, Ryland Nunn, Crowder Smith, Ella Claire Green, William Walker Green and the anticipated arrival of Ellianna Estelle Smith this month.

Mr. Smith moved to Brewton, Alabama in 1938 with his father’s plumbing and electrical Company, D.H. Smith & Sons which installed plumbing in the newly created T R Miller School. In 1941 he joined Army Air Corps, Signal Corp during WWII. He was Stationed in Puerto Rico, Cuba and Aleutian Islands. In Alaska he was part of forces to repell the entrenched Japanese troops. Mr Smith was a Tech Sgt that headed up a wire line platoon that installed landline wiring communications built for Krypto connection for Security Defense. He joined the Alabama National Guard unit in Brewton during Korean War, where he rose from Sgt to 2nd Lieutenant. He served his country faithfully in the military with two Honorable Discharges.

Mr. Smith worked in the Natural Gas Distribution business for 40 years. His career in the gas industry started in the Propane Air Distribution systems in Brewton and Andalusia. He was Distribution Manager for Southeast Alabama Gas District then moved to General Manager of the Palatka Gas system in Florida. He came back to Alabama to become General Manager of Conecuh Monroe-Counties Gas District as it was being built in 1962 until his retirement in 1990. 

Mr. Smith business endeavors consisted of being a Charter Officer and Director for the Alabama Natural Gas Association, and Honorary and Distinguished member status. He was a Charter Officer and Director for the Florida Natural Gas Association. In 1983 was elected as President of the American Public Gas Association and recognized with a Distinguished Service award. In 1985 he was chosen by the Eisenhower Foundation to represent an exchange of ideas in energy with the Chinese Government in Beijing. He was able to tour various sectors of China.

His civic and community activities consisted of being a Rotarian for over 50 years where he received the Paul Harris Fellow Award for service. He was a Shriner with Blue Lodge in Brewton. Mr. Smith performed various duties with Chamber of Commerce and Industrial Development Board. He was a Deacon of the Evergreen Baptist Church, where he was dedicated to the church and it’s members. Mr. Smith was committed to his community, cities in Conecuh, Monroe and Escambia Counties during his career. Papa Ed was an avid Alabama Fan. RTR

His influence and love, lives on in his family and friends.

The family will have a graveside service for the immediate family members. Cope-Keahey Funeral Home is in charge of these arrangements.

Because of concerns for everyone’s health the family will not have a Memorial Service

In lieu of flowers the family request that a contribution be made to the Evergreen Baptist Church, 107 Park Street, Evergreen, Al, 36401

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