Malcolm L. Smith

Malcolm L. Smith, of Smith Mountain Lake, Va., died on Wednesday, January 13, 2010, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Bluefield, W.Va., and was the son of the late Malcolm and Juanita Canon Smith. He served in the Army of Occupation in Germany following World War II. He attended Bluefield Junior College and University of Tennessee where he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. During the summer months, he was a lifeguard and swimming instructor, and later served as Chairman of the American Red Cross Swim Safety Committee. His employment included Adjuster and Unit Manager for Commercial Credit Corporation, Adjuster and Assistant Manager for McHugh Adjustment Bureau, and West Virginia Branch Claim Manager with Chubb & Son Inc. during which time he excelled in completing a 17 month Claims Law Course. He served as President of the Bluefield Claims Association, Secretary and Vice President of the Princeton Jaycees, and was a member of the Bluefield Jaycees, University Club, American Legion, Elks Club, and Bluefield Lions Club. He served as a deacon at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
After 25 years with Chubb & Son, Inc., he and his wife retired at Smith Mountain Lake, Va. There he enjoyed playing golf and swimming. He also contributed to the naming of Westlake Corner.
Survivors are his wife, Virginia Lee "Ginny;" four children, Cathye Mahood and husband, David, of Bluefield, Colonel Todd Smith and his wife, Karen, of Tampa, Fla., Layne Ferguson and her husband, Guy, of Smith Mountain Lake, Va., and Lee Ann Connolly and her husband, Desmond, of Wilmington, Del.; and grandchildren, Chad Smith, Jill Smith, Brendan Connolly, Lauren Connolly, Devin Connolly, Justin Mahood, and Steven Mahood; and three great-grandchildren.
The family expresses appreciation to Dr. Robert Patten for his care and compassion especially during Malcolm's final illness.
Pallbearers are son, Todd Smith; son-in-laws, Desmond Connolly, Guy Ferguson, and David Mahood; and grandsons, Brendan Connolly and Justin Mahood.
The family will receive friends from noon to 1 p.m. on Friday, January 15, 2010, at Mercer Funeral Home and Crematory, 1231 West Cumberland Road, Bluefield, W.Va., 304-327-6155. Following visitation there will be a graveside service at Resthaven Memorial Park in Princeton, W.Va., at 1:30 p.m. with the Rev. Howard Finkel officiating. Those wishing to attend the services are asked to meet at Mercer Funeral Home by 1 p.m. Following graveside services, a reception will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in the Fellowship Hall.
Those wishing to share memories or e-mail condolences may do so by visiting www.mercerfuneralhome.com. Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Malcolm L. Smith.