Obituary of Wayne Franklin Smith

Wayne Smith’s Obituary

Mr. Wayne Franklin Smith graduated to Glory on June 3, 2023, in Pensacola, Florida, at 84 years of age. Born on October 14, 1938, he was the youngest of 12 children born and raised on the family farm south of Helmer, Indiana, and an alumnus of Ashley High School. As a young man he believed the truth of the Gospel, “call[ed] upon the name of the Lord” as Romans 10:13 instructs and received Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. His salvation would forever change his life and the lives of his family members—children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren—who trusted in Jesus after him. On February 26, 1962, he married Carol Ross, the love of his life, and raised a family of four children with her. In August 1962, the Nation called upon him for his service during the early years of what would become the Vietnam War. He served honorably in Thailand and received the Army Good Conduct medal.

After serving his country, he returned to Indiana to work as a painter and entrepreneur, faithfully supporting his family financially while being a spiritual leader who pointed them to Christ and taught them to love his Savior. In addition to leading his family spiritually, he also left a legacy in the various local churches in which he served throughout his life. He moved his family to Chattanooga, Tennessee, to attend Tennessee Temple University. Later, his work led him to Arizona and then Missouri, but he spent his retirement years with his beloved dachshund, Murray, in Indiana and finally settled in Florida. He enjoyed his annual return to Ashley, Indiana, to meet back up with family and friends for the family reunion.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Blanche (Lung) Smith; wife Carol (Ross) Smith; and siblings Pauline McBride, Lloyd Smith, Hilda Reinoehl, Norma (Isabelle) Leas, Richard Smith, Betty Vernia, Jean Knisely, Van Smith, and Janet Tracey.

Wayne is survived by his four children—Jeanne Gifford of Arkansas, Lynne Gamperle of Maine, Randy Smith of Missouri, and Cheryl Barcomb of Florida—as well as multiple grandchildren and great- grandchildren, one sister, Beth Hoskins, and one brother, Gilbert Smith, both of California.

There will be a private ceremony celebrating Wayne’s life at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, Florida, with close family members present. To provide a lasting tribute to Wayne, donations may be made to The Rescued Rescuers in his honor. While he was able, he joyfully volunteered his time to sit and love the dogs awaiting adoption. Donations can be made either by mail (The Rescued Rescuers, PO Box 2553, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32549) or electronically (https://therescuedrescuers.org/). Thank you for considering participating, and we pray that this tribute will allow The Rescued Rescuers to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home at least one more dog in Wayne’s honor.

A look through Wayne’s Bible calls attention to one specific portion of Scripture which he had marked up with notes, circles, and underlining: Psalm 100. This Psalm depicts Wayne, and I am sure he would like to share it with you today:

“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” Psalm 100 (KJV)

"In lieu of flowers, donations to The Rescue Rescuers would be appreciated. They can be made either by mail (The Rescued Rescuers, PO Box 2553, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32549) or electronically (https://therescuedrescuers.org/)."

Thank you.