Burnley Smith

Burnley Lankford Smith VIRGINIA BEACH- Burnley Lankford "Smitty" Smith, 91, passed away Sept. 18, 2008, at a local hospital. Born in Norfolk, he was the son of the late Russell Clayton Smith Sr. and Mary Craig Smith. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 68 years Ada Lovitt Smith. Besides his wife, Smitty is survived by his two sons, B. Lankford Smith Jr. and wife Linda of Chesapeake and Wayne L. Smith and wife Constance of Charlottesville, Va.; granddaughter, Beverley L. and husband Daniel Grover Jr. of Chesapeake; grandson, Ryan H. Smith of Houston; one great-grandson, Daniel Grover III of Chesapeake; brother, Calvin H. Smith and wife Arlene of Virginia Beach; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers, Jessie "Buddy" Smith, Russell C. Smith and Leon M. Smith and his sister, Marvis Reid. Smitty joined Ford Motor Co. in 1939 at the Norfolk Assembly Plant and was a member of the UAW Local 919. He retired after 35 years of service. He was an enthusiastic member of the Norfolk Sports Club where he made many good friends. After his retirement, he worked for the Diamond Club Restaurant at the original Met Park in Norfolk serving beer and humor to fans. He was also a standout duckpin bowler, minor league baseball player and softball player. Smitty loved driving his Ford truck. The family would like to extend a special thank you to neighbors and friends who so graciously gave attention and care to Burnley as he continued living in the home he loved with Ada. Many thanks to the Kempsville Volunteer Rescue Squad for their professionalism and help. A graveside service will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk by the Rev. Bruce Carper. The family will receive friends today from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5792 Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Memorial in Honor Donation Program, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312, the American Heart Association 500 E. Plume St. No. 110, Norfolk, VA 23510, or to the Kempsville Volunteer Rescue Squad, 5145 Ruritan Court, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. To share condolences with the family please visit www.altmeyer.com.