Paul Wilfred Smith Jr.

On Friday February 21, 2025, Paul Wilfred Smith, Jr. entered Heavens Gates. As we mourn his passing, we celebrate the life he lived and the legacy he leaves behind.
The only child of Paul Wilfred Smith, Sr. and Bertha Hughes Smith, Paul was born on January 29, 1942, in Liberty, SC. At the age of 10 years old, his family moved to Greenville, SC.
Throughout the school years, Paul was active in all sports. He will be remembered for fearlessly making his bedroom suite in shop class at Paris High School. He loved his class of '60. Paul was also a proud graduate of The Citadel class of '64.
Paul was a member of Piedmont Park Baptist Church where many lasting friendships were made. His family was instrumental in the purchase of the church bells, by making the first monetary donation towards the purchase.
Always planning ahead, Paul tackled every phase of life with strength and full intention, charting every phase before it began. He never wanted to regret a single decision he made along life's journey.
Paul was married to his best friend, Sandy, for 57 years and 8 months and 18 days. He cherished the importance of family and was a very proud husband, dad, father-in-law, and grandpa. Every day without fail he told Sandy, "I love you Ole Lady".
As a licensed commercial pilot, Paul took joy in reminding Sandy that he loved airplanes before he loved her. He always excelled and took pride in his work for many years at Ballanger Paving, then Daniel Construction, and Shelter Inc. in Greenville, SC, followed by several years at Process Systems Inc. in Memphis, TN.
Paul was an adventurous spirit known for his deep love of the outdoors and his vivid storytelling ability. He always wanted to "paint you a picture" as he shared his expeditions. There was always a story to be retold as well as another adventure brewing.
He nurtured lifelong memories of fishing, deer, and turkey hunting trips to Santee Cooper and Enoree, SC; bear and moose hunting in Alaska and Canada and more than 20 consecutive years elk hunting in Colorado. The family is sure Paul took I-40 West through Colorado on his way to Heaven. An avid turkey hunter, Paul harvested a wild turkey on public land in multiple states for 36 consecutive years. He was very proud of that record.
The passion for knowledge kept Paul engrossed daily in TV News channels. He always wanted to share his knowledge and was tirelessly ready for a spirited conversation, especially concerning politics. He always left an enduring impact on those he encountered, and they knew he was a proud American.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Sandra; their three children, Paul Smith III and wife, Janna, of Simpsonville, SC, Charlie Smith and wife, Renee, of Tarpon Springs, FL, and Kristen Sammons and husband, Tim, of Abbeville, SC; and his precious granddaughter, Avery Carolyn Smith of Tarpon Springs, FL; and two sons of the heart, Richard Martin of Fulton, MO, and David Wamer of Charleston, SC.
A visitation will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 1:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown. A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. at Woodlawn Memorial Park officiated by the Reverend Martin Atkins.
Paul's handshake was as good as gold, and he expected the same in return. The best description of his life is, "I did it my way". May his memory forever be cherished and be a blessing.
No tears in Heaven.
Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Paul with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory" To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Paul, please visit our floral store.