Hansel Ray 'Hank' Smith

H. R. “Hank” Smith, 82, of Charleston went home to be with the Lord January 27, 2016 at CAMC Memorial Division following a four month battle with Leukemia.

Preceding him in death were his father, Raymond D. Smith; first wife and mother of his sons, Aletha Bowles Smith; sister, Doris Belcher; and infant children, David Paul and Susan Lynn Smith.

Hank grew up in Belle and graduated in 1954 from Dupont High School, where he excelled in football. He was known as a fierce competitor on the gridiron. Upon graduation, he attended Morris Harvey College on a full scholarship. Hank then enlisted in the United States Marine Corp, serving proudly for three years. Following his discharge as a Buck Sergeant, Hank went to work for E. I. Dupont in Belle. After eleven years he went on to be self-employed as the owner of P.D.Q. Mobile homes in Smithers, Boone County and the Beckley area. Dad always enjoyed the art of the deal. He was a long standing member of the Beni Kedem Shrine and the Scottish Rite. Hank recently received his fifty year pin from the Salina Lodge No.27 AF&AM, Malden.

Surviving are his mother, Edith Ellen Smith of Marmet; his loving wife, Barbara Smith of Charleston; sons, Hank Alan Smith of Malden and Eric S. Smith of Daytona Beach Shores, Florida; step-sons, Brian Sanders of Landrum, South Carolina; niece, Denise Crawford of Dunbar; and grandchildren, Andrew Smith and Aletha M. Smith both of Daytona Beach Shores, Florida, Jessica Sanders of Landrum and Brian Sanders Jr. of Charleston.

Hank loved his family and was fiercely protective of each and every one of them.

In keeping with Dad’s wishes, there was a small service held with his close family and friends, on Saturday, January 30th at Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel, South Charleston, with Pastor Damron Bradshaw officiating and military graveside rites performed by the Veteran’s Service Organization St. Albans American Legion Post #73.

Please consider a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, Florida 32256, CFC#11425.