Gilbert "Sonny" Clayton Smith

Gilbert Clayton “Sonny” Smith, 75, of Madison Heights, passed into the arms of Jesus, Monday, March 13, 2016, surrounded by his family. Sonny was born July 20, 1940 in Lynchburg to the late Sarah Elizabeth Smith Smith and Ezekiel Clayton Smith. On December 22, 1961, he took Patsy Ray Coffey to be his bride and together, their journey began. Sonny was retired from Virginia Fiber Paper Mill, was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves and was a member of Sandy Bottom Christian Church. Sonny loved music and was a gifted guitarist and singer. He also loved to cook and could often be seen cooking with his favorite music playing. He was an avid sports fan whose favorite teams were U.V.A., the New York Yankees, and the Washington Redskins. He loved and kept his four legged friend, Fritz close to his side. In addition to his wife, he is also survived by one sister, Wilda Wood of Lynchburg; two brothers, Neil Smith of Madison Heights and Jeff Smith and wife Sherry of Spring Hill, TN. Sonny is also survived by three sons, Greg Smith, David Smith, and Steve Smith, all of Madison Heights and a daughter, Lynn Jones and husband Geoff of Lynchburg. He was known as Papa Sonny to his nine grandchildren who he loved so much and who were all so special to him, Clay, Samantha, Mackenzie, Chase, Cameron, Natalie, Jillian, Naomi, and Abigail. A graveside service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, March 17, 2016 at Fort Hill Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6:30-8:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at Whitten Monelison Chapel and other times at the home of his son, Greg. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Brain Injury Assoc. of America, 1608 Spring Hill Road, Suite 110, Vienna, VA, 22182. To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.whittenmonelison.com.