Edward David Smith Sr.

Edward David Smith, Sr., 75, of Salem, passed away after a courageous fight on Monday, June 4, 2012 at Lewis-Gale Medical Center. He was born on May 19, 1937 in Shawsville, VA, the son of the late Alfred and Mary Lee Smith. David later moved to Roanoke and then Salem. He was employed as a lineman for Appalachian, a foreman at Roanoke Electric Steel in Salem for 28 years, and also worked with Varney Electric Company. David also repaired lawn mowers for over 35 years, making many friends along the way. He won over everyone he met with his charm, teasing, and ready smile. He cherished life and lived it to the fullest. David was described as a working man and he had the respect of everyone who knew him. He was predeceased by his wife, Phyllis Miller; infant son, Edward Smith; brothers, Jim Smith, George Smith, and Sam Smith; and sisters, Marie White and Lucille Hall. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 40 years, Sue Smith of Salem; sons, Steve Edward Smith and wife, Mauricia, of Salem and Edward David Smith II and wife, Kim, of Salem; daughters, Dena Holliday and Amy Holliday Ferris, both of Roanoke; grandchildren, Stephanie Smith, Shelley Winterer, Cassie Smith, Samantha Perrin, Steve Smith, Kirklend Smith, and Rylie Smith; great-grandchildren, Vincente, Stephan, and Nicholas; brothers, Alfred Smith, Jr. (Cotton), John Henry Smith, Bob Smith, and Charles Smith; sisters, Louise Long and Sally Harmon; as well as many much loved nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors. The family wishes to express their appreciation to Lewis-Gale Medical Center and especially Dr. Vivian for their love, care, and support of David. Also, thanks to the staff at Virginia Prosthetics and Invision as well as Dr. Binnings and his nurses, Barbara and Sandra, for taking such good care of him for so many years. He will be greatly missed and his legacy of love and hard work will be passed down to many generations. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 6, 2012 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, June 7, 2012 at 2 p.m. in the funeral homes chapel. Interment will follow at Shawsville Congregational Holiness Church Cemetery. Bob Rouse and Joe Horvath will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at 26 Broadway in New York, NY 10004. An online guestbook is available at www.johnmoakey.com. The Smith family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, 540-389-5441.