J. Edward "Bud" Smith Jr.

Smith Jr., J. (“Bud”) Edward 95, of Largo, FL and formerly of Tampa, FL passed away Sunday, November 13, 2016. Ed was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Alice Smith, his father and mother, the late J. Edward Smith Sr. and Grace Smith, and his sisters, Evelyn Allen and Betty Parker. He is survived by his daughters, Laurie Goodrich of Largo; Jeanne Lanham (husband, Butch) of Dalton, GA; Martha Hughes (husband, Paul) of Irmo, SC; and son, Scott Smith (wife, Lisa) of Grayson, GA. In addition, Ed is survived by his 11 grandchildren including Rob Goodrich (wife, Terri), Julie Goodrich, Samuel Lanham, Abigail Lanham, Nathan Lanham (wife, Elizabeth), Miriam Lanham, Jessica Loveland (husband, Beach), Danielle Russell (husband, Aaron), Lauren Prentiss (husband, William), Meagan Smith & Zack Smith and 8 great grand-children including Alex Goodrich, Bryson Lanham, Emma Lanham, Zoe Loveland, Shiloh Loveland, Ezra Loveland, Adalynn Russell & Lydia Russell and nieces Marie Weeks (husband, Leon) and Cathy Raney (husband, Jack). Ed was born in Chattanooga, TN, on July 27, 1921. He graduated from McKenzie Business College with a focus on business and accounting. He served in the US Army from 1942 to 1946 and was awarded the WWII Victory Medal, American Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal and Bronze Star. After the war, he moved to Tampa, FL where he met his wife, Alice in the choir at Bayshore United Methodist Church. In 1951, Ed began working for the Hillsborough County Commission as Chief Deputy Clerk of the Circuit Court, and after 36 years of service, he retired in 1987. Over the years, both Alice and Ed were active in numerous church ministries at Bayshore, First Church and Van Dyke United Methodist Churches. He was Treasurer for The District Board of Missions and Church Extension of the Tampa District of the United Methodist Church. Ed served on the Board of Directors and was Treasurer for Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa from 1987 to 1994. Alice and Ed moved to Largo, FL in 2006 where they resided at Brookdale Pinecrest. They were active members at Anona United Methodist Church.

Family Visitation and Viewing is scheduled for Sunday, November 20, 2016 at 1:00 PM with a Celebration of Life Service & Reception to follow at 2:00 PM at Anona United Methodist Church, 13233 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL. The family extends a special thanks to the kind and gentle care provided by the Lavender Team of Suncoast Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in the memory of Ed Smith to Florida United Methodist Children’s Home at www.fumch.org or mail to 51 Children’s Way, Enterprise, FL 32725. Serenity Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.