Edwin S. Smith

OAK BLUFFS — Edwin Scott Smith, 70, died on Oct. 18, 2007, of complications from cardiovascular disease.

Mr. Smith was born on Aug. 18, 1937, in West Harwich, the son of Nathan Henry Smith and the late Edna Smith. After graduating from Harwich High School, Mr. Smith served in the Army for two years in Germany. When he returned to civilian life, he traveled throughout the states, married, and worked hard to support his growing family.

Later he moved to Martha's Vineyard, and in 1979, established residency on Pacific Avenue, where he frequently opened his home to island families and friends needing a place to stay. Mr. Smith was employed at the Vineyard Haven post office for eight years. Scott, or "Scotty" as he was called, was known for his good-heartedness and jovial nature. He also was an avid reader. Since he opened his mail before others got theirs, he would be the first to share stories that he read in newspapers and magazines. While delivering mail or visiting friends, he often kept something to read in his back pocket.

Short and stout, Mr. Smith was also a very strong and physically active man. He loved sports and had a talent for working with horses, having owned a horse farm in Ocala, Fla. When Mr. Smith worked for a local landscaper, he dug all the holes and trenches by hand. Friends joked that even 20-year-olds couldn't keep up with him. When he left the company, his employer had to buy a bobcat.

Mr. Smith's interest in the Bible led him to study with Jehovah's Witnesses. He had questioned why churches did not practice the Christianity that Jesus taught. In the scriptures, he found meaningful answers that motivated him to share his faith with everyone he met. In the congregation, he found the company of close friends.

In 1990, while walking down the street near Five Corners, Mr. Smith was hit by a moving vehicle. The accident left him disabled. Despite the effects of physical trauma, including partial brain damage, his faith, humor, strong will, and especially his love for his wife, the girl he knew since childhood, kept him going until his recent decline.

He is survived by his wife, Frances Marjean Smith of Oak Bluffs; his father, Nathan Henry Smith of West Harwich; four children, Cheryl Smith of Oregon, Edwin Scott Smith Jr. of California, Anthony Smith of Michigan, and Willie Smith of Oregon; eight stepchildren, Kermit McKinney Jr. of Utah, Cindy J. Maciarz, Sheila Cooper, Cheryl Tiller, Jacqueline Bonnecarre, and Charles McKinney, all of Georgia, Richard McKinney of Virginia, Michael McKinney of Michigan; a brother, Nathan Henry Smith Jr.; an aunt, several grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 3, at 1 p.m., at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, State Road, West Tisbury.

Donations may be made to the Martha's Vineyard Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, PO Box 1554, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568. Arrangements are under the care of Sperry and McHoul Funeral Home of North Attleboro.