Rev. Paul Darwin Smith, 87, of Ringgold, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on April 18, surrounded by his loving family. He was welcomed home by his late wife, Doris Louise Owen Smith, with whom he enjoyed 62 years of marriage and was often heard to say, “She was the love of my life—some more lady.” Paul missed her dearly when she was called home before him, but now they are strolling hand in hand again. Paul was born Feb. 5, 1931 in Long Island, Al., where he spent his childhood and school years. He was the son of the late Paul Wesley Smith and Ruth Webb Smith.
Paul enlisted with the United States Army during the Korean conflict and was stationed in Watertown, NY. Following his discharge from the Army, he continued to serve as a National Guard reservist for 15 years. He was also retired after 40 years of service from the U.S. Pipe Company in Chattanooga.
After the passing of his wife, Paul met an angel in the form of Ms. Shirley Curtis. She has been his special friend and companion during the last three years—rarely missing a day when she didn’t sit with him to discuss their faith or to simply support each other in the loss of their respective spouses. Miss Shirley’s love and faithfulness will always be appreciated.
The phrase “still waters run deep” surely defined Paul. He was a quiet man, but he was also a man of strong faith, believing in the wisdom and power of a loving God. He spent a lifetime sharing that love with others and pastoring several churches in Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. After his retirement from pastoral work, his compassion for others still found him visiting frequently on behalf of his church congregation at Catoosa Baptist Tabernacle. He truly loved his time ministering with his “visitation buddy,” Pastor Jerry Atkins.
Paul was an affectionate and easy-going man who never complained. He had a spark of mischief that always kept a smile on his face, and he loved to tell tales of his childhood antics with his siblings. He loved the outdoors and was never happier than when he was puttering in his vegetable garden.
Paul spent his final three years with his adoptive family, the Rosewood Assisted Living Community. He loved sparring back and forth with the wonderful caregivers and staff there, and it was evident from the outpouring of love and support that his family received in his final days that Paul touched many lives there. We cannot thank his Rosewood family enough for their love and care during these past three years.
Paul is survived by his three daughters and their families, Cindy and Thomas Dodson, of Pendleton, In., Vickie and Wayne Kibble, of Hixson and Rhonda and Bill Causey, of McDonough, Ga. He was blessed with three grandchildren, Cameron Dodson, of Pendleton, In., Johanna Kibble, of Hixson and Crae Causey of McDonough, Ga. He is also survived by siblings, Anna Jean Blevins, Kimball, TN, Cora Nell (Don) Bivens, Sewanee, Tn., Carolyn (Herman) Harris, South Pittsburg, Tn. and Van (Sue) Smith, New China Township, Mi.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Homer Smith of Stroudsburg, Pa. and Rev. Arvell Smith of South Pittsburg, Tn.
A celebration of a life well lived will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Catoosa Baptist Tabernacle, with Rev. Jerry Atkins officiating. Interment will be in Lakewood Memory Gardens, South, with military honors provided by the U.S. Army.
Visit www.heritagebattlefield.com to share words of comfort with the family and view the memorial tribute.
The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. Friday at Heritage Funeral Home, Battlefield Parkway.