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BORN
1930
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Paul Smith Obituary
Left to cherish his memory are his son, Ron Smith, daughters Susan Roach (Mike) and Penny Collins (Steve); nine grandchildren Corry Smith (Bonnie), Lee Roach (Leslie), Kellie Roach, Kendall Collins, Sydney Smith, Chloe Collins, Madison Smith, Delaney Collins and Parks Smith; three great grandchildren Leila, Ryan, and LJ Roach; and his companion Rosa Little.
We will be forever grateful for all of his wonderful caregivers from Nuturing Hearts N Care.
The family will receive friends from 3-4:30 Friday, October 30, 2020 at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home with a memorial service beginning at 4:30 in the funeral home chapel. The memorial service will be livestreamed on the R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home Facebook page.
Memorials may be made to the Animal Aid Society, 80 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, VA 23666.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Smith
Sponsored by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home - Hampton.
Bill Johnson
October 24, 2022
Miss my best friend
Gregory Peck
November 3, 2020
Correction: Ethel
Greg Peck
November 3, 2020
Penny, Susan and Ron;
I'm so sorry to hear about Paul passing. He was a great man. Some of my fondest memories are being at Smitty's and seeing his smiling face and kind ways.
I firmly believe he is with Jesus walking with Ethel in a beautiful green meadow.
William Hart
November 1, 2020
Ron Smith & I became friends over four decades ago after being introduced by a mutual friend while attending then CNC! Over the next 40 yrs, I learned that this family accepted other people into their family for life! Mr. Paul & Ms. Ethel, were wonderful, wonderful people, who cared and loved all those who were blessed enough to be called their friends! My wife Andrea, and my daughter Mariah extend our most heartfelt condolences to our extended family, The Smiths! William “Billy” Hart.
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William Hart
November 1, 2020
Ron Smith & I became friends over four decades ago after being introduced by a mutual friend while attending then CNC! Over the next 40 yrs, I learned that this family accepted other people into their family for life! Mr. Paul & Ms. Ethel, were wonderful, wonderful people, who cared and loved all those who were blessed enough to be called their friends! My wife Andrea, and my daughter Mariah extend our most heartfelt condolences to our extended family, The Smiths! William “Billy” Hart.
William Hart
November 1, 2020
Ron Smith & I became friends over four decades ago after being introduced by a mutual friend while attending then CNC! Over the next 40 yrs, I learned that this family accepted other people into their family for life! Mr. Paul & Ms. Ethel, were wonderful, wonderful people, who cared and loved all those who were blessed enough to be called their friends! My wife Andrea, and my daughter Mariah extend our most heartfelt condolences to our extended family, The Smiths! William “Billy” Hart.
Cindy Kane
November 1, 2020
Uncle Paul will be greatly missed. I have such wonderful memories of him:
Like all the times he took me to swim lessons when I was a child and how he decided I was ready to swim so he threw me in the deep end of the pool. Later I learned that he threw some family members in a lake to teach them how to swim. And, how he would make another batch of cookies if the first batch were all gone. The time when I attended a family birthday party and when I went to pay for my meal I was told that someone covered it. My dad said that was probably Uncle Paul. What I remember most about him is that he cared deeply for everyone in his family. When we needed a truck we knew he’d lend it, when a family member was down and out he helped him get through it, and my mom recalls when she worked at Smitty’s during the cold winter months that he would come in early to make chicken and dumplings so his employees could have a warm meal. I will cherish all the special memories I have of him.
I pray for comfort and healing for all of his family and friends.
Until we meet again Uncle Paul, rest in peace. I love you!
Ross Kearney
October 31, 2020
Ron, Penny, Susan and family my heart goes out to all and my prayers are for Ethel and Paul in being re-united. A great man of exceptional character, "Mr. Smith" was a major force in making Hampton a wonderful community to call home!
Laura sinks and family
October 30, 2020
Loved this sweet man made him a few margaritas at County Griile rest in peace
October 30, 2020
So sorry to hear about your loss. You know that God and Jesus are in the best position to comfort us when we lose a loved one in death.
Nancy Sinclair Schwieters
October 30, 2020
I didn't know Mr. Smith personally, but have been a fan of Smitty's since it opened. Having grown up just down the street from there, we often walked to Smitty's for a burger and onion rings. We were all saddened when the fire shut them down and anxiously awaited the reopening. I'm so Glad that he was around to see his beloved store reopen. He will be missed, but has left the business in very capable hands and will always be a part of Smitty's.
Michael DiCarlo
October 30, 2020
Fifty years ago, I met Paul Smith on a football field while banging heads with his son Ron. In the ensuing years, I - like many others - discovered that friendship with Paul (and Ethel) Smith became a bond that encompassed not only our families, but also provided unsolicited concern and help. Upon returning to Hampton and between teaching jobs, Paul, who knew everyone, personally went downtown and vouched for me to the superintendent, leading to my hiring at a local school. It was years before I discovered this.
I read the other day that we "die" twice: first, when the physical body is taken; second, when people stop saying/remembering the person's name. Paul Smith has no need to fear the latter.
Tina Stoops
October 30, 2020
I'm going to miss you Uncle Paul I'm going to miss drinking them Uncle Paul margaritas with you love and miss you your niece Tina you are such a wonderful uncle
Tina Stoops
October 30, 2020
I'm going to miss you Uncle Paul I'm going to miss drinking them Uncle Paul margaritas with you love and miss you your niece Tina you are such a wonderful uncle
Thomas Anderson
October 29, 2020
There were four brothers that opened Smitty’s. There was John, Thomas, Bill and Paul. Not just one person.
Karen Courtney
October 29, 2020
Uncle Paul you sure will be missed .You always treated me like family.Every since way back when you were the sweetest kindness person I ever met.Please give Julie a hug for me .My prayers for Ron and the family.RIP Uncle Paul.
Dave Collier
October 29, 2020
My deepest condolences
Robert L Sneed
October 29, 2020
To the Family of Mr. Paul Smith, our deepest condolences, he was
great example of putting others, first. Last year, about the middle of November, he was having trouble, with the sewer line, in his yard. He couldn't, use the shower, wash or flush the toilet. After our crew, had
finished the installation, of a new cleanout, ran a hose to clear the line out, he bought the crew, lunch! Citizens like him, is the reason why I stayed, with City for 35 years.
Billy Lawson
October 29, 2020
To the Smith family,
Words really are difficult to put forth when hearts are heavy from the loss of a loved one but please know that the memories of fun times are a way to help sadness easier to take. Please let it be known that people who met Mr. Smith for the first time could tell he was a genuine wonderful person. Rest In Peace to a good soul.
Henry Courtney
October 29, 2020
Prayer's for Paul and the family.
Frank Ottofaro Jr.
October 29, 2020
My father and I ran our Otto's Sunoco Servicenter on North King Street since its purchase in 1968. Over the years, dad would always send me next door to see Mr. Smith, and buy us some burgers, fries, and drinks, all which I literally grew up on...they are so good, and haven't changed at all other than we have gotten older. I remember the soda fountain/ice cream store he opened in the parking lot, and the nights of us stopping in there under those canopies, and reading all of the menu items to see what we wanted good that night. Smitty's is truly an icon of Hampton, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Small business owners such as Mr. Smith, have created a lure for outsiders and military folks over many years, to come to Hampton, VA where they can find a true 1950's style drive-in restaurant still left from an era gone by for us all. Ron and family, please find the strength that all of you need at this time through the love of family, friends, and neighbors, and all of the many memories that God has allowed each of you to obtain over your lifetimes with your husband and father. Many prayers to you all.
Mary McCoy
October 29, 2020
Heartfelt condolences and prayers to all of his family. Paul will be truly missed by all of his customers that frequently went to Smitty's Better Burger always got a great burger & friendly service.
Heaven has gained a very special Angel,Rest in peace,Paul. ❤
Glenda Vuxta
October 29, 2020
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Smith family. I went to school with Susan and Mike and Ron, I know the are beside themselves. Paul was a great man and will be terribly missed.
Jack Sigler
October 29, 2020
I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Mr Smith. He leaves a legacy behind. I hope and pray that your family will have strength during this time of loss.
A. Marine
October 29, 2020
Semper Fi Marine, Rip.
bill johnson
October 29, 2020
best friend miss our trips to county grill
julie waltrip
October 29, 2020
I will always cherish the times he and Rosa came to the king street diner, and had breakfast each morning and the talks we had , and all the pictures i have of them at the diner , Paul was a man of wisdom loved hearing him tell of his days in his smithy's drive in .how it started . prayers for the family this is a great loss and for our community .
October 29, 2020
My family began driving up to Hampton from Louisiana in the early 80's to spend time with family during Christmas holidays. Some of my fondest memories of that time were spending Christmas Eve at the Smiths..we were welcomed as part of there family. Ethel & Paul were wonderful people & will forever be in my heart. So tough when such awesome people leave us but they will not be forgotten.
Maude Ivey
Hampton, VA
George Bailey
October 28, 2020
I would like to say uncle paul was a great person to know he could be serious but he could be funny as well but no matter what he loved his family and friends with a never ending passion and he never knew a stranger. He was loved by many people.
Tungala Harrell
October 28, 2020
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Patty Cash-Parkerson
October 28, 2020
What a wonderful, funny, and caring man. I know he was loved deeply by his family and will be missed. I feel so fortunate to have known Paul and Ethel and rejoice they are together again at last. Much love and sympathy to my sweet friend Penny and all those who loved him.
Mike May
October 28, 2020
Paul was an amazing businessman. I have been eating at Smitty’s since my family moved back to the USA from Japan in the early 1970’s when I was 12 years old. I often rode my bike there to have lunch or dinner. I considered it an honor when Paul and his friends ate breakfast at McDonalds near King St. and Mercury Blvd. where I became a manager in 1981.
Rest In Peace Paul, you earned it!
JOANIE HONARD
October 28, 2020
Paul you will be truly missed by many so proud that you gave us a place for families to enjoy and I was able to grow up and able to i enjoyed SMITTY'S Thank you Mr. SMITH & Family
Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results
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Oct
30
Visitation
3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home - Hampton245 South Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23669
Oct
30
Memorial service
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R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home - Hampton245 South Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23669
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R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home - Hampton245 South Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23669
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