Denzil Eugene Smith

Denzil Eugene Smith, 70, of Augusta, WV passed away peacefully at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV with loved ones by his side on Sunday, October 12, 2025.

Denzil was born in Winchester, VA on December 30, 1954, the son of the late Gene and Avery (Mowery) Smith. He also was the other half of the "Smith Brothers, Denzil and Danny" that this community respected and loved so very much. Danny preceded Denzil in death on August 19, 2025: it was said that Danny always had to come in first so Denzil let him win the eternal prize of Heaven first, but his heart knew he had to finish that race with his brother.

2 Timothy 4:7 says "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith".

Denzil was a dedicated, hard worker and worked over the years at the sand mine in Gore, VA, Winchester Equipment, Shingleton's Sawmill, Shenandoah Valley Construction, cutting pulpwood with Scotty Bohrer and he could also be found hauling from behind the wheel of his Kenworth, but his legacy and pride was in the name written on the door of his truck "Elkhorn Farm". Denzil had a passion for farming that only a farmer could truly understand, and weathering the ups and downs of the farm life alongside his family brought him the most happiness. Recently, while in the hospital, Denzil stated "it was all worth it". May we find passion to live each day to the fullest so we can follow his guidance and also be able to say it was all worth it.

Denzil was a graduate of Hampshire High, Class of 1973. He and his wife of 52 years, Mary (Pugh) Smith, started dating in high school and shared many Mountain Dews and memories over the years. They were married on August 10, 1973 and together they enjoyed traveling in the mountains and playing cards with family. They proudly raised their two sons, Jason (Sheila) and Joey (along with his trusty sidekick Daisy). Denzil and Mary both possessed a welcoming spirit and enjoyed serving others, fixing Sunday dinner together and sitting around the dinner table surrounded by family and friends brought them so much joy.

Family meant so much to Denzil, but Denzil also meant so much to his family in which he leaves a huge hole in the hearts of so many: his brother, Delmas (Kay) of Charlotte, NC, sister-in-law, Glory Smith of Augusta, WV, brother-in-law, Robert Pugh (Judy), sister-in-law, Linda Hite (Greg), nephew, Daniel "Shawn" (Whitney) of Augusta, WV and their three youngins who entertained Denzil daily, Joseigh, Daylon and Kason. Along with those mentioned, he left many other nieces and nephews by whom he will be greatly missed.

When God created Denzil he made a man whose boots could not be filled by anyone else, his footprints are imprinted on the hearts of all those blessed enough to have known him. On days like these may we be reminded of Denzil raking a hay field, pulling his Ford tractor down the dirt track (taking first this time), racing his Mustang down a straightaway, working on equipment, sitting around the shop with a coffee in his hand having an important conversation with his buddies, cooking Sunday dinner and sitting at the cabin dressed in camo sporting his beard during deer season.

As we reflect on Denzil's life we know he also faced loss, sadness and challenges, but we know he lived a life full of love, joy and strength. May we be reminded to keep on keeping on over these next few days, months and years because we know Denzil would never want to cause us sadness, only good memories, smiles, laughter and joking. Anyone that knew him knew most of his jokes revolved around whether or not you drove a Ford, how strong and tough Fords are, but we can't help to think he was wrong because he possessed a toughness (or as some would joke, a hardhead) that prevailed over the Ford he was so very fond of. When life throws obstacles in front of us and we feel saddened and discouraged may we also kick it into 4WD, dig deep and be "Built Denzil Tough", in Denzil's own words "I tell you that".

Denzil's legacy will live on through his family who will be celebrating his life by receiving friends on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 5-8pm, at Hope Christian Church, Augusta, WV.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025 at at 11:00 A.M. at Hope Christian Church with Dave Webster and Alex Sowers officiating. Interment will follow in Green Lane Cemetery in Delray, WV.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fall Harvest Benefit, c/o Hope Christian Church or Valley View Greenhouse, that will benefit 3 local children battling illness: Maverick Cunningham, Riley Combs and Lylah Grace.

All arrangements are handled by McKee Funeral Home, Augusta, WV.