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Susan Martin
March 7, 2009
Bernice, Jenny and Jason,
There are no words that can take away the pain and lost you are feeling now. I do want you to know that you all are special to me and If I can help in any way you know where I am.
Al & Debra Lonberger
March 7, 2009
Bernice and family,
We were so saddened to see Buddy's announcement in the paper.
It seems like just yesterday that we were all at Tennessee Temple.
Please accept our sincere condolences.
Doug Dickerson
March 5, 2009
Bernice,
It is still hard to believe. I have so many memories of you and Smitty. He took me under his wing as I prepared to go TTU. One evening, he pulled out his year book and showed me pictures of who I should and shouldn’t date. And in this funny way, he introduced Barbara to me.
He was so full of life and his laugh was strangely infectious in a Buddy sort of way.
In 1973, he drove me to TTU in his yellow Maverick with the black bucket seats and the 8-Track that played Bread and John Denver. I can still remember how Rocky Mountain High would transition right in the middle of “Rocky mountain [click] high…”
I remember during our first week at Temple we went to Atlanta to visit your family. We went canoeing on one of the lakes around Stone Mountain. I couldn’t swim, but he said we’d be OK as long as I didn’t flip the canoe over. It was my first time in a canoe, and of course I unintentionally flipped it. I can still hear Smitty crying, “Hold on, Dick! Don’t drown!” But thankfully my feet touched bottom, and water came up only to my chin.
Smitty pushed me to enjoy life to the max. He was that kind of guy.
I remember travelling with the team to Boca Raton to play in a baseball tournament. To save money, we stopped near Titusville, and Coach Sherman had us sleep in the van. It was hot and humid, so Smitty and I tried sleeping outside. It wasn’t long before we realized we were covered with fire ants, which we tried to brush off…, but we ended up taking a few back into the van. Then nobody slept.
I know at one time, he wanted to play professionally. He threw hard and batted aggressively. Once we were playing either Berry or Shorter College. The guy pitching against us had an ERA of something like 0.00. This guy had a smoking fast ball. Toward the end of the game, Smitty came to bat. Later he told me that as soon as the guy released the ball, he closed his eyes and swung with all his might. He was way ahead of the pitch, but the ball connected with his bat and cleared the fence just inside the right field foul pole. It may have been the only run scored against the guy that year.
Amazing, but once again it showed how determined he was.
What a voice he had! Didn’t he take voice at Temple? Seems like I remember him taking voice with Mrs. Herrman and singing in chapel. I’ll never forget Smitty singing at our wedding, and you having a part in our reception.
He was a good man, a loving father, and a husband who thought the world of you. I still have vivid memories of when I visited you all in the 80’s, of Smitty kicking a soccer ball with Jason and giving bear hugs to Jenny.
You both gave so much to minister for our Lord.
Barbara and I are praying for you. Call us if you need us.
Paul Jayne
March 5, 2009
Smith family,
My condolences are with you all. I had the privilege of coaching against Buddy during my Central days. He was a lot of fun to compete against. I remember his passion for sports and his love for his players. He was a great man. May you be comforted by God's great grace.
Jay Barth
March 4, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Buddy was a blessing to so many. He will be missed. Jay, Debbie, and Nicole
Rick van Rijn
March 3, 2009
Bernice, Jenny, and Jason.
I was saddened to hear about Coach Smith. He meant alot to me during my years at DBCS even though I wasn't much of an athlete. His example of a Christian leader in his workplace and in his home is one I struggle to aspire to. I momentarily felt strange at the funeral home laughing and catching up with other alumni, but then it occurred to me--what else would he have wanted? My prayers are with you.
Rick van Rijn DBCS '85
Bob Welter
March 2, 2009
Bernice, Jenny, and Jason,
We just want to let you know that we are among many who are thinking and praying for you. Buddy was always friendly and liked to laugh. A person with that quality leaves people better than he finds them, and for that alone, he was a blessing to many. The Lord is Saviour. He is also Comforter. We pray that the presence of the Comforter will be very real in your lives as you and the rest of the family begin to find your ways through the days and weeks ahead.
Bob, Patty, Krista, Shawna, and Jenna Welter
Bruce & Susan Richards
March 2, 2009
Dear Bernice and children,
We were saddened to hear about Buddy. I have many fond memories of playing baseball at TTU. We were both very competitive and loved the game of baseball. We know he will be greatly missed by all those he influenced while coaching and teaching for so many years. Our prayers are with you all. God bless!
David Crotts
March 2, 2009
Mr. Smith was my teacher in 7th grade at Central Baptist and also 9th - 12th grades at Denbigh Baptist. He was my coach during my high school years. Mr. Smith taught me a lot and helped mold me into the person I am today. I remember the trips to the Wild's camp. It was there that Mr. Smith met with me and I reassured my salvation. I have many fond memories of Mr. Smith and everything we did during our practices, games and tournaments. Mr. Smith and Mrs. Smith sacrificed alot to teach us and I know they will be blessed for this.
Ms. Smith, Jenny, and Jason, I will continue to keep you in my prayers.
Rachel Hogge
March 2, 2009
I was a student of Coach Smith and worked with him in the sports dept keeping the stats. Coach was always smiling and joking around. Many years had passed when I saw him again at Maranatha Baptist Church. He still just wanted to serve Jesus. He will be greatly missed. My prayers are with his family. Isaiah 26:3-4
Rasheda Gregory
March 2, 2009
Mrs. B, my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. I know times are difficult, and I'm praying for your strength to continue on. Much Love
Baacke Family
March 2, 2009
Bernice, Jenny & Jason,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We have so many fond memories of Buddy and were so blessed to have known him. We pray that you find peace knowing that he is with the Lord and without pain.
~ Ken, Toni, Kenny, Tommy & Jonny Baacke
Melanie Webbber Auman
March 1, 2009
Mr. Smith was my coach and history teacher in high school at Bethel Christian School. I know he is singing with the angels right now. I loved to hear him sing. My son now plays basketball and it has brought up so many good memories of Coach Smith. He will be missed! Bernice, Jenny, Jason, and family you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Ann Garriss
March 1, 2009
Bernice,
I am lifting you up and may our Father in heaven continue to bless you and keep you during this hard time. Remember that Buddy in without pain and is a great place with some great friends who are already there.
James, Ann, Jacen and Emilee Garriss
Thailand
Betty and Dennis Brock
March 1, 2009
To our sweet and precious sister, Bernice... There are no words to express how much we love you. You and Buddy have always been in our hearts and prayers; but since Christmas, you have been a main focus of our daily thoughts and concern. Buddy had such a gift of love and concern for all those he met. He showed his great love for his Lord and we know you was the love of his life. Jason and Jenny are so blessed to have had such a great Daddy. Buddy cared so much for his family and friends and he will be truly missed by so many. May God's peace that passes all understanding give you the strength to face the days and weeks ahead. We love you so much.
John Nelson
March 1, 2009
I was privileged to know Buddy during his college years as we were both athletes at Tennessee Temple College from 1971-75. I remember him as a man of good cheer and good will, with nary a negative word. As my wife Kathleen and I have served abroad in Japan and Korea since 1981, I have not met Buddy again since our commencement exercises in 1975, but his life has stayed with me these 33+ years, and I suspect it will continue to do so. I pray for God's grace in abundance for Buddy's family and friends.
Jim and Wendy Cantrell
March 1, 2009
Berniece, Jenny and Jason ,
You are in our prayers through this difficult time. We shared an anniversary date that we never got to celebrate together.
He's at peace singing with the angels in the best choir of all ! He was a special person that won't be forgotten.
Love Ya ,
Rebekah Hurst Hughes
March 1, 2009
There are so many great memories of Mr. Smith from my years in high school and afterward playing ball in the city league. He was always a great encouragement to me. Our prayers are with your family and he will certainly be missed.
John Zeller
March 1, 2009
Bernice and Family,
I want to say how sad I was to hear Buddy had passed and say that I rejoice to know he is in Heaven today. I will always remember our days together at TTC and playing four years of baseball together. He was a good teammate and friend. I will always remember Buddy as a guy who was not ashamed of Jesus Christ. We will have alot of catching up to do when I see him again in Heaven. I will be praying for you all as you go along without a Husband, Father and I am sure a very good Grandfather.
God Bless,
John Zeller
SCORE International
Kristin Yonker
March 1, 2009
We are thinking and praying for your family during this time. When we were new to the church and we went to the Christmas banquet, Buddy and Bernice were at our table and made us feel so welcome. We will miss him. May God give you comfort during this time.
Love, Kevin and Kristin Yonker
Jim & Mary Mitchell
March 1, 2009
So many memories of trips to basketball & softball games! Buddy was a wonderful teacher and coach, and will be missed my many. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Joan Mitchell Dehart
March 1, 2009
Dear Smith Family,
There are way too many things I could say about Mr. Smith. He has made such an impact on my life and will be truly be missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers
Beth Heaton
March 1, 2009
Bernice and family, We are so sorry for your great loss. We have such wonderful memories of Buddy as our umpire at church softball games. He always had a beautiful smile that was contagious. You are all in our prayers. Love- Marty, Beth, and Jordan Heaton
Nancy Willoughby
February 28, 2009
We have many fond memories of Buddy. Rodney enjoyed playing softball with him and I had the privilege of teaching with him at Denbigh and Bethel. I have known him since I was a teenager and I know he loved his students. He made many sacrifices over the years when he taught, coached,and drove the bus. He will truly be missed. Nancy, Rodney, Rodney Jr., Ryan, Ross, and Ricky Willoughby
Sabrina Furman
February 28, 2009
To Bernice and Family: I had the pleasure of meeting Buddy in February of this year when I was sent to work in the same location with him. He reported to work (a few times) and always seemed so pleasant to be around. I knew he was struggling with pain but he always was nice. I will miss his smiling face in the office.
Bonitta & Robert Black
February 28, 2009
My dear sister Bernice,
The sorrow in my heart for you losing your best friend and soul mate. We know that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord and one day you will be there too. God knew what He was doing the day Buddy saw you and once y'all met God's plan fell into place. This too is His plan and although we do not understand we do know that God is in control. Jenny and Jason are so blessed to have you and Buddy as their parents.
Our deepest sympathies are with you all.
Toby Ogle
February 28, 2009
Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this time. I have many fond memories of Coach Smith during my years at Denbigh! He will be greatly missed.
Dennis, Annette & Lauren Miller
February 28, 2009
Bernice, Jennifer & Jason: We came to know your family as our daughter, Lauren's first "baby sitter!" What an excellent choice we made with Buddy as the head of this wonderful family. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Buddy will surely be missed by many - he touched so many lives & many folks were so blessed to have known him.
Elizabeth(Ziegler)Meads&Diane(Ziegler)Johnson
February 28, 2009
My sister and I had the pleasure of being students of Mr. Smith. He always had a smile and word of encouragement. The world could use more teachers, fathers and coaches like Buddy Smith. Our prayers are with his family that they may find peace knowing now he is with his Heavenly Father.
Irbys
February 28, 2009
So many memories of Denbigh!! He will be missed! Our thoughts, love and prayers are with you all
February 28, 2009
Bernice, Jennifer, Jason,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. So many memories of Buddy and all the guys at the softball field. We were blessed to have known Buddy,
Patti & Alan Riley (Zoom)
Tina Adderholdt
February 28, 2009
Bernice, Jenny, Jason and family, I was so sad to hear about Buddy's passing. I can still see him sitting at his desk, with all the pictures of his family sitting all around him. When he talked of his family, his love for each of you just glowed. Bernice, you were his best friend and his soul mate. He had often said to me, if it weren't for you, he would not be the man he is today. He loved his children, and those grand babies, with un-measurable love. Buddy loved the time he spent with his dad watching Monday night football games and sharing a meal together.
May God embrace you and may His Spirit give you comfort. May the memories of Buddy and how much love was shared between all of you, continue to fill you heats with joy.
Dwayne Peters
February 28, 2009
Smith family: On behalf of the Heritage HS Athletic Dept, I want to express my deepest sympathy to your family for the loss of Buddy. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Dwayne Peters
Heritage HS
Athletic Director
Vic Burrows
February 28, 2009
My Prayers go out to the family Bernice the lord will provide you needs. I thank the Lord for Buddys friendship. I enjoyed cutting his hair. May the lord bless you.
Patrick and Jenny Martin Flynn
February 28, 2009
Smith family..I love you and will be praying for strength for you through this time. Mr. Smith will be remembered with the fondest of memories. He is loved and appreciated by too many to count! Love Always
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