Philip Lawrence Smiley

FUNERAL HOME

Wiles Remembrance Centers - Farmington

137 Farmington Falls Road

Farmington, Maine

Philip Smiley Obituary

Philip Lawrence Smiley
1926 - 2016
SKOWHEGAN - Philip Lawrence Smiley, 90, of New Sharon, died early Saturday morning at Cedar Ridge Center in Skowhegan. He was born at home on the True Farm in Starks, April 4, 1926, the youngest of five children of Elmer Lawrence and Lela Bernice (Wright) Smellie and was educated in local schools. He was a veteran of the United States Army during WWII, serving in the European Theater. Mr. Smiley was a self-made man, who studied and mastered auto mechanics, welding, carpentry, and operating his own custom saw mill. He was a skilled marksman and musician, playing the violin, viola, mandolin, guitar, and the harmonica.
Mr. Smiley worked hauling logs and pulp; was a mechanic at Harvey's garage in Farmington; mill worker at Metcalf's Sawmill in Farmington; assisted with Ray Greenleaf's Tree Service in Farmington; and his favorite occupation was owning and operating his own sawmill and custom sawing. He enjoyed archery, reloading his own ammunition, canoeing, hunting, collecting and rebuilding old tractors and antique engines, playing musical instruments, reading, and picnicking next to lakes and ponds. On Feb. 19, 1994, he was baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist church and attended churches in Norridgewock, Farmington, and Jay.
Although he loved his family, he loved quiet and solitude and was a fiercely, independent, self-made man, and was a typical old "Mainer." He knew how to survive on very little, and will be remembered for his frugal, yet sensible ways. This grand old man, the patriarch of the Smiley family will be greatly missed. Rest in peace; Husband, Father, Uncle, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather. Yours was a life well lived. His family and loved ones look forward to the day God reunites the entire family, and makes the circle complete once again.
He is survived by his wife, Audrey Barbara (Wooley), whom he married on Oct. 13, 1952, of New Sharon; two sons, Philip and James Smiley; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; several cousins, nieces, and nephews; as well as many other family and friends.
Public memorial services will be held on Thursday at 1 p.m. at the Wiles Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington with Philip's son Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel Philip Thomas Smiley, officiating. Interment with military honors will be held following the service at Fairview Cemetery in Farmington.

The family suggests that those who desire consider memorial gifts in Philip's memory to:
the American Stroke Association, www.strokeassociation.org or:
the National Stroke Association, www.stroke.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Central Maine on May 10, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Philip Smiley

3 Entries

Lisa and Mark King

May 12, 2016

To Audrey and your family.
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Please know our deepest heart felt thoughts and prayers are with you today and always.
Sincerely,
Lisa And Mark King(Beltone)

Reigh Greenleaf

May 11, 2016

Phil, so sorry to learn of your passing, - an old and dear friend, who helped me start my own career, back when the world was young for both of us. You were a generation ahead, and lent that time and experience to help me fulfill my own dream. Met you while building my 1st tree truck. You sawed out the oak for the body on the big log saw at Metcalf's Mill on Temple Stream. We proceeded to move from that to several years of solving some of Farmington's tree problems.

You were like the Rock Of Gibralter for me over those years, and were always there when needed, to help complete all those adventures! I remember that cherished and constant companion that accompanied you each day we set out, and it was called "my lunchbox". I never hefted a more densly-packed source of nutrition - before and since. How many times we labored up the hills with that small heavily loaded jeep, and I would yell - Phil, throw it overboard! You'd grin and say I'll stick my foot out and push! That lunchbox was a constant cherished companion, and I'm sure that Audrey had a big part in seeing that you were adequately fueled, for all those times!

You went your own way to pursue your own dreams of sawmilling in "76" - when our country was also celebrating it's Birthday. You ran your enterprise for many years, and were known for the "concern for quality" of your product, and thus it's constant presence. I remember Audrey so often, being out there with you keeping it going! You folks were always a team. I loved to visit and listen to all your tales - you were exuberant in the telling, as you were in your life! I also enjoyed our trip to Weld on motorcycles, and who should come along for the ride, but that old faithful companion - your lunchbox, helping hold down that rear wheel from bucking on the highway!

Phil, you've added so much to so many lives over your time here, - those parts of us go with you on your journey. We, left behind, are richer and better for the gift of knowing you. Mark Twain once penned that two of the most important days of your life are "The day you are born, and The day you find out why". I know you found your second day - a long time ago! Rest well, my friend.

Audrey, all my best to you and your family, and hope that time will help heal heavy hearts. Thank you for being you, and for Phil. Reigh Greenleaf.

Steve & DeeDee Berkshire

May 10, 2016

Philip will be truly missed. He was such a great Husband, Father & Grandfather.

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