Dennis Ray Smith

1945 - 2011

BORN

1945

DIED

2011

About

Murray State University

Dennis Smith Obituary

Dennis Ray Smith, 66, of Mauldin, SC passed away Sunday, February 6, 2011 after a courageous battle with Leukemia. He was born February 1, 1945 in Holdenville, OK to Archie and Violet Smith. He married and unconditionally loved Lydia Lynne Shelton after meeting their Freshman year at Murray State College. Shortly after they were married, Dennis served his country by joining the Air Force and he was inspired by the colorful mentors that required perfection, taught self perseverance and determination; this truly is where he began his love of accounting. Upon his return to Ardmore, OK he began his career with Uniroyal Tire Company and went on to finish his BA in Accounting from SE Oklahoma University. Promoted through the ranks of Uniroyal & Michelin, he dedicated over 40 years of passion & service mentoring and shaping lives the same way he was mentored. He touched lives while moving with promotions from Oklahoma, Alabama, Michigan & finally to South Carolina where he worked at the Michelin Headquarters N.A. as a Product Cost Manager. Dennis was patient, loving and tough but went the extra mile to insure success of his beloved co-workers. He loved God, family, friends and was an avid Auburn and OU football fan. In addition to being a beloved Husband; he was a beloved Father to Denise Ciccotto & Christopher (Jennifer) Smith; loving Poppa to Nichole, Trae, Aidan & Lauryn Smith & Rayna Curtis. He is also survived by mother Violet Smith; siblings Charles (Linda) Smith, (Katherine) Smith and Catherine George; nieces; nephews and many other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his father, Archie Smith and brother, Donald Smith. No local services are planned. The family would like to express gratitude for the loving care provided by Dr. Gary Spitzer and his staff. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Leukemia Society (www.leukemia-lymphoma.org). Success is never final, failure is never fatal. It's courage that counts- John Wooden

Online condolences may be made at www.CannonFunerals.com.

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Published by The Greenville News from Feb. 11 to Feb. 13, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Smith

10 Entries

Christopher Smith

March 2, 2011

Dad,
I miss you everyday, I remember the simple things you taught me about life, faith, love and family and will do my best to share them with Aidan and Lauryn. You are and always were my best friend, I am so blessed to have you as a Dad. I always knew how much you loved me and I know you know how much I loved you, you will always be in my heart! Thank you for fighting for as long and hard as you did, I pray your strength will guide me, our family and fuel the memories I hold so dear!
Forever Your Son!
Chris

Lisa and Todd Burton

February 13, 2011

Dennis was such a patient and loving man. We missed seeing him around. Much love to you all as you mourn the loss of a great man.

Gabriele Gromoll

February 13, 2011

My condolences to your entire family.Mr Smith was a great person. He will be missed at St. Francis .

Yvonne Gwinn

February 12, 2011

My sincere condolences to your entire family. It is comforting to know that Dennis was surrounded by his loving family during his illness. Having worked with Dennis your description of him was perfect, he was all those things and so much more. He will be missed and held as a treasured memory in our lives.

Carolyn Cox

February 11, 2011

Sending my thoughts and prayers. Dennis was such a sweet cousin and I have lots of wonderful memories of him in our earlier years. Carolyn Morrow Cox (Moore Okla)

betty jo branyon

February 11, 2011

Dennis was a very special person with a soft demeaner & big heart. He and Lynn saved my life and I am so grateful for them both. With loving memories, Jo Branyon

February 11, 2011

Our deepest sympathy to the family. Dennis was a very special friend to me & my family. His unconditional, unselfish love of other people was amazing and his calm demeaner was to be envied. Dennis & Lynn saved my life. Jo Branyon, Piedmont, sc

melissa taylor

February 11, 2011

Sending lots of prayers to the entire family. Dennis was a great friend and neighbor. He was the kind of man that would help without you even having to ask. God be with you all during this difficult time. With love Wes Melissa dani and Sydney Taylor

Joyce Whitaker

February 11, 2011

My sincere condolences from a fellow Michelin employee. May God be with your family. -- Joyce Whitaker

February 11, 2011

Beautiful tribute to my brother, whom I loved dearly. We will miss him and always remember what a fine, loving man he was. Taken from us too soon, but he lived a life that was an example to all. Your big brother, Charlie

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