Leonard E. Smith

     Leonard E. Smith, 75 of Pence Springs, WV passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2023 at CAMC Trauma Unit in Charleston, WV of complications from a fall.

     He was born on January 2, 1948 in Hinton, WV and was a 1966 graduate of Hinton High School. Leonard was the son of the late Zina C. Smith and Margie L. Allen. He was also preceded in death by his stepfather Grover C. Allen, Jr. and his father and mother-in-law Roy J. and Betty J. Meadows.

     He is survived by his wife of almost 55 years, Nancy C. Smith and his son Robert W. Smith and wife Anne-Patrick (Irons) Smith of Lynchburg, VA, along with his grandson Andrew H. Smith, his pride and joy and who is now a freshman at the University of Virginia. He is also survived by his sister-in-laws Mrs. Sandra (Grant,deceased) Serreno, Mrs. Linda (Greg) Snider, and Mrs. Christina (Monty) Hannah as well as a host of extended family members. Leonard had many special friends including Joe Rodes (who he loved like a son), Roger Williams, Kent Hellems, Dave Staley, Don DeWitt, Lowell Kirkham, Alfred Wykle, Larry and Kathy Fox, Randy and Amanda Cales and their daughter Morgan, as well as numerous others.

     Leonard was a member of Roles Chapel Baptist Church, most recently attending Central Baptist Church when his health permitted. He served his country in the U.S. Navy from November 1967 until October 1, 1971. He was Co-Owner of Don's Sports Shop from 1980 until he and Don sold the business in 2000. Leonard also worked for Twin State Barber and Beauty Supply, Fox Photographics and Flat Top Arms. He had an extensive knowledge of guns, bows and fishing, which he was more than willing to share with customers and friends. He loved to fly fish and at one time was a great fly tier. He loved to tell stories of his fun times with Greg (Toothpick) Lilly and Brian Taylor on Second Creek in Monroe County, not to mention the many times he took a cold dip in Anthony's Creek while fishing with the late Elmer Wykle. Leonard loved spending time hunting on Little Creek in Greenbrier County, first going there as a young man and until his health no longer permitted him to do so.

     At Leonard's request his body was cremated.

     An informal gathering of family and friends to remember Leonard will be held Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 2:00 PM on the grounds of the Little Creek Presbyterian Church and Cemetery, north of White Sulphur Springs, WV. Please dress casual or in your favorite camouflage or fishing gear and bring your own chair. At White Sulphur Springs take Route 92 north and travel approximately 7 miles, turning left on Anthony Road. Travel about two miles and turn right on Little Creek Road at the CC Camps. Cross the narrow concrete bridge. You will find the church on the right, approximately 5 miles up the creek.

     In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice or to the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute at rni.wvumedicine.org and scroll down to find the donate now link. Leonard suffered from Essential Tremors and was passionate about the medical breakthroughs that WVU Medicine is making in this field.