A. Lee Smith

CARBONDALE – A. Lee Smith, 81, of Carbondale passed away Sunday, April 24, 2016 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO.



Lee was born on December 14, 1934 to Arvel and Otha (Patrick) Smith. He married Merita Smith on December 24, 1957 in Gulf Port, Mississippi. She survives and is of Carbondale.



Other survivors include his son, James Lee Smith of Carbondale; daughter, Tina (Mike) Rumsey of Carbondale; son-in-law, Ron Smith of Royalton; grandchildren, Josh (Katie) Rumsey, Kyle (Macey) Rumsey, Erica (Micah) Hallman, and Chelsie Smith; great grandchild, Levi Hallman; brother, Frank (Dana) Smith of DeSoto; sisters, Elenore (Oliver) Robinson, Ardell (John) Savitz, and Shena (Kern) Weshinskey all of Carbondale; and half-sister, Lela (Ted) Lowry of Crown Point, Indiana.



He is preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Virginia; daughter, Gale Smith; grandson, Brice Rumsey; and two brothers, Eldon and Rudy Smith.



Lee served his country in the United States Air Force for 24 years where he obtained the rank of Master Sergeant. He then worked for Consolidation Coal Company in the Burning Star #4 Mine for many years. Lee also owned and operated the Giant City Convenience Store for 15 years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Carterville and also a member of the UMWA Local# 1825.



Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 29, 2016 at Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale with Pastors Brad Harlow and Tommy Monroe officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Interment with military rites will be in Pleasant Grove Memorial Park, Murphysboro.



Memorials are the preferred form of remembrance and may be made to the American Cancer Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.