Elmo Russell Smith

SMITH, Elmo R. 95, passed away in Jacksonville on June 12, 2008, surrounded by his loving family. Elmo was born on April 14, 1913, in Jacksonville, Florida to Nathan Smith and Bessie Allen Stafford Smith, both originally of Hinesville, Georgia, land that is now known as Fort Stewart. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by five brothers, Layton, Tallmadge, Dean, Forest and Nephi, and one sister, Sally Murray. Elmo graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in 1931. He worked with the Civil Service during WWII as a master welder, installing and repairing gas lines and tanks on military bases from North Carolina to Key West. After the war, Elmo worked as a mechanic for Greyhound Bus Lines until his retirement in 1975. He was a member of Jacksonville Chapter #15 and Riverside Chapter #218, OES, and the Hyde Park Masonic Lodge #370. Elmo was a High Priest in The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints, and diligently worked in both the Atlanta and Orlando Temples. He was an avid Gator Fan and truly enjoyed the serenity of his St. John’s River home in Bostwick. Elmo was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He is preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Mae T. Smith. Elmo is survived by his daughters, Connie Stuart of Lake City and Joy Smith-Williams (Jimmie) of Jacksonville; grandchildren, Jimmie (Sharon) Williams, Rusty (Lori) Williams and Connie Ann (Darrell) Webster; great grandchildren, Brandy, Chris, Eric, T.J., Colin, Corey, Hailee, Joshua and Jeremiah; and one great-great grandson, Christian. He is also survived by good friends Carol Altenbaugh and Jackie Halligan, and his Best Friend, Don Wells. The family wishes to express their sincere and heartfelt appreciation to the Doctors, Nurses and Staff of the Gaston Acosta-Rua Center/Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, for the tender and compassionate care they provided, in addition to their endless family support. Thanks also to the staff of St. Catherine’s Laboure Manor. Services will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, June 16 in The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints, 1679 Dunn Avenue, with President Austin Tilton, officiating. Entombment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, 4535 N. Main Street. Family visitation to greet friends will be held 1:00 PM, Monday, one hour prior to the service at The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations made to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32257, or the charity of your choice. Services are under the care and direction of COREY-KERLIN FUNERAL HOMES AND CREMATORY, 1426 Rowe Ave., 768-2596.