Leighton Elbert Smith, Sr., age 80, of 406 Commerce Avenue, Iron Gate, Virginia died Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at his residence.

He was born March 2, 1941 in Covington, Virginia to the late Elbert Otis and Virginia Bell Whanger Smith.

Leighton served in the United States Navy and retired as a millwright for Westvaco after thirty-plus years. He was a member of the Covington Moose Lodge, the Curtis A. Smith VFW Post 1033, and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, L. C. Smith and Lyle Douglas Smith.

He is survived by his wife, Regina Dudley Smith of Iron Gate; two sons, Leighton E. Smith, Jr. and wife, Ivy of Daleville and Hunter Ray Smith of Iron Gate; a brother, Larry Smith and wife, Karen of Reedsville, NC; five grandchildren, Anna Smith Stapleton, Hunter Smith, Jr., Blake Smith, Brooke Smith, and Steven Stapleton; four great grandchildren, Riley, Cora, Brooke, and Tavin; and a niece and nephew, Jessie and James.

In keeping with his wishes, his body has been cremated. A private memorial service will be held for the family at a later date.

Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge, is handling arrangements.

To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com.