Herbert Preston Smith

 

Herbert Preston Smith took his leave of absence from earth, at 1520, 20 October 2023.  He was born to John Henry Clinton Smith and Molly Jane (Price) Smith in Morganfield, KY on August 25, 1947.  He married the love of his life, Kimberly Ilene Melvin on June 14, 1995. 

His family moved from KY to Marion, IL when he was seven years old.  Soon after moving, Herb began working as a paperboy for the Butler News Agency and continued to do so until he joined the US Navy in 1964.  He served on the USS Kearsarge as part o the Pacific Reserve Fleet (Pac Res Fleet) from June 1965 through June 1966 as support to forces in Vietnam.  It was on his cruise and during this time that he became a Shellback, an honor to which he was most proud.  He felt he wasn't doing enough for the war effort so he volunteered for boots-on-the-ground duty in Vietnam, where he served with the Naval Support Forces in Danang, with the Marine I Corp.  He was part of Bravo Company in Tien Sha Peninsula Security Police.  He earned the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.  

After Herb was discharged, he tried his hand at different occupations, to find that his calling and niche was roofing.  He was often called the "best roofer in Southern IL" to which he would reply "no, Floyd Williams is the best roofer in Southern IL".  He continued in this profession until he retired in 2010.  

In retirement, Herb enjoyed as much time as he could with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, who could do "no-wrong".  He loved playing his guitar, singing, camping, tapping maple trees to make syrup, and living in the country and taking care of his animals.  He began every day with reading the Scriptures and the Bible Study with his wife.  The first song he would sing each day was "Humble Yourself in the Sight of the Lord".  He was a follower of Jesus Christ and he demonstrated it by his acts of kindness to anyone in need, knowing his reward would come later on.    

He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Smith of northeast Williamson County; daughter Candida (Jeff) Payne of Eldorado, IL; sons-in-love, Nathan (Amanda) Cockrum of McKinney, TX, Jacob (Julie) Cockrum of Marion, IL; daughter-in-love, Jordon (Brandon) Cockrum;  sister, Clarice Chamness; mother-in-law, Wanda Melvin; brother-in-law, Larry Melvin; brother-in-law Mike (Ann)  Simmons; twelve grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; many friends and several children who called him "Pawpaw".   

He was preceded in death by his parents; sons Herbert P. Smith Jr. and Kevin Meneese;  seven siblings; and step-father Elmer T. Schaefer. 

The family would like to thank Dr. Arlene Miksanek and Nurse Teresa Atwood, VA Medical Staff for helping Herb throughout the years and the Doctors and Nursing staff in ICU at Heartland Regional Medical Center for the excellent care and compassion provided during Herb's final week on earth. 

Visitation will be held at Blue Funeral Home in Marion, IL on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM.  Funeral services will be held at Blue Funeral Home at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Ebenezer Church Cemetery in Thompsonville, IL.

 

Memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warriors Project.