Russell L. Smith, Jr.

CARBONDALE - Russell “Bud” L. Smith, Jr., age 82, passed away on January 12, 2025 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Russell was born on June 12, 1942 in Carbondale to Russell, Sr. and Frances (DeWitt) Smith. Russell married Carolyn (Eichholz) Smith on June 22, 1963 in Carbondale.

Russell graduated from Carbondale Community High School in 1960 where he played in the band and was first-chair saxophone as well participated in Future Farmers of America. At a young age, Russell developed a love for farming, learning from Jack Jackson and driving a farm tractor for his uncle. Russell bought his first farm in 1967 and continued to build the family farm over the next several decades. Russell retired from farming in 2008 but continued to be very active in all aspects of his farm. Russell loved conservation and wildlife. He was named Jackson County Conservation Farmer of the Year and continued to create habitat for all God’s creatures. Russell had a passion for hunting and fishing and enjoyed this with many friends and family and was a mentor to all. He also loved all his hunting dogs.

Russell is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn; son, Timothy (Jennifer) Smith; daughter, Tamera (Mark) Miller; grandchildren, Kelsey (Keith) Larkin, Wesley (Shelbi) Smith, Jonathon Watson, Adam (fiance Jenna) Watson, Matthew Watson, Katharine (fiance Christian) Watson; step-grandchildren, Mark (Christine) Miller Jr, Michael (Kelly) Miller, and nine great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Russell and Frances Smith Sr.

A Memorial Service for Russell will be held at 12:00pm on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale with Pastor TJ Gentry officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00am until the time of service at the funeral home on Wednesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Russell visit www.meredithfh.com