Sheldon 'Pete' Smith

Sheldon Douglas Pete Smith, born February 28, 1948, age 66, of Salem, passed away peacefully at home, Friday, March 7, 2014. Pete was predeceased by his mother, Betty Smith Hall and step-father, Richard (Buddy) Hall; his father, Karl Lawson Smith, his mother-in-law, Zella Coleman Basham, brother-in-law, Phil Coleman, and a nephew Jason Hall. Pete is survived by his devoted and loving wife Carolyn Coleman Smith; he is Dad to daughter and son-in-law, Tami and Al Kuehn, and granddaughters, Allyson and Hannah, Deerfield Beach, FL; his sons: Tom Smith, granddaughter Nicole and great-granddaughter, Izabelle, Salem, VA; Scott and Melissa Smith, Roanoke, VA; and Shane Smith, Salem, VA. Other survivors include Petes brother, Henry and wife Barbara Hall, New Castle, VA; sisters-in-law, Cheryl Coleman, Boones Mill, VA, Judy and Gerald Olson, Titusville, FL, and Kim and Kevin Jones, Blue Ridge, VA. Pete leaves behind other family members, including his nephews and nieces: Brian Hall, Bridget Coleman and Mike Matola, Stephanie Coleman, Cole and Clay Olson, and Kameron and Karlyn Jones, and Aunts Joan Thomas and Margie McGuire. Pete also leaves life-long friends Donnie Roberts and Ray Shelor. And, Pete will be so missed by his best buddies: Smokey, Souljer and Sentry; and buddy Sabre who predeceased Pete by one day. Pete was retired from Verizon with over 30 years of service, grew up locally in the Salem area, attended Northside High School and Virginia Western Community College. Pete will be so missed by his family. Petes dry sense of humor and sarcastic wit kept us amused. He had a nice, slow smile and an infectious laugh when we amused him! He was an avid golfer with many accomplishments. He loved watching movies and enjoyed playing cards with his family. He was a quiet, private person who never missed a detail of his surroundings. He was very artistic and loved to paint and several family members are proud owners of his paintings. Pete loved his 60s music. He was so proud and supportive of his children. He thought the world of them. Petes family would like to thank Dr. Vashist Nobbee and his staff for the excellent care they have provided Pete over the last several years. Additionally, we want to thank the staff at Fresenius Dialysis Center in Salem. At Petes request, his body will be cremated and there will be no services. The family will hold a private memorial at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Petes name to: The Berner-Garde Foundation, 1497 N Summer View Drive, Greenville, WI 54942, Attn: Berner-Garde Treasurer (health foundation for Bernese Mountain Dogs); The City of Salem Animal Shelter, 1301 Indiana Street, Salem, VA 24153 or a charity of your choice. Petes philosophy was to not get too high or too low, making him the level-headed man we all knew and loved. An online guestbook is available by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.