Graydon "Smitty" Smith

CARBONDALE - Graydon “Smitty” Smith, age 86, a beloved member of the Carbondale community known for his selfless nature and unwavering faith, peacefully passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Herrin Hospital surrounded by his family. 

Smitty was born on February 27, 1938 to Robert and Lucy May (Dailey) Smith. He married Irmalee Alta Betts on May 30, 1956 in Corinth, MS. 

Smitty, a man of integrity and dedication, owned his own business, Smitty’s Heating and Refrigeration Service for over 50 years in Carbondale. His faith was a guiding light, and he shared his faith and love openly with all those around him. Smitty found joy in simple pleasures, like savoring meals at Giant City Lodge. He loved to garden and especially sharing its harvest with family and friends. He enjoyed the outdoors and was quite the sportsman earlier in life. Smitty touched the hearts of many and left a lasting impact on those who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be remembered for his kindness, his unwavering faith, and his love for his family. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Alta Smith; son, Benjamin (Susie) Smith; daughter, Treena Wicoff; grandchildren, Brittany (Austin) Allgaier, Nathan (Betsy) Smith, Stephanie (Chris) Wicoff, Tyler (Lacey) Smith, Abbie (Brice) Ott, Johnny (Tiara) Wicoff, Jacob Smith; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Vicky Jo Baker; brothers, Rodney Smith and Mike Smith; and sister-in-law, Edna Gold. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Joyce Anne Carson. 

Funeral Services for Smitty will be at 12:00 PM on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at the Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale with Pastor Mark Sims officiating. Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery in Dongola. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home. 

To leave a story or memory of Smitty, visit meredithfh.com