Paul Scott Smith, 79, of 221 Dusty Road, Covington, Virginia, died Friday, February 25, 2022 at his residence.
Mr. Smith was born April 8, 1942 in Bath County, a son of the late George Willard and Sylvia Helen Keith Smith.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Alfred and Tommy Smith, and a nephew, Scott Smith.
Paul graduated from Valley High School in 1960. After graduation he went to work for Dupont in Waynesboro. It was then that he met the love of his life, Donna Lafferty Smith, who he has been married to for 58 years.
He then returned to Bath County to help his father, George, and brother, Tommy, start a construction business. Paul worked as Recreation Director for three years and coached Little League football. He was always known as "Daddy Paul".
Along with working at the Vocational School, he taught Industrial Arts at Valley Elementary and Millboro Elementary School. He also served as Athletic Director for five years.
During his 30 years at the high school, he coached 8th grade boys basketball, varsity girls basketball, JV baseball, JV football, and varsity football. Teaching and coaching were his passion, and he loved every one of his students.
His daughter, Phoebe Smith Hicks, was the "Apple of His Eye". He had so much fun being involved in all of her school activities. She was always a light during all his struggles.
Paul served on the Bath County Board of Supervisors for eight years fulfilling one of his dreams of helping the people of Bath County. During his time, the Springs Nursing Home was built, the secondary roads were paved, public water was put in down Cedar Creek, construction of the auditorium and gym at the high school began, among numerous other projects. Paul also served on the Shenandoah Valley Planning Commission for 16 years.
Paul loved fishing and hunting which he did a lot at his land in Churchville. He loved making furniture in his home workshop.
He is survived by the love of his life, Donna Lafferty Smith; his wonderful daughter, Phoebe Smith Hicks; his two precious granddaughters, Kiersten Hicks and Karlie Hicks; four sisters-in-law, Julia Smith, Virginia Smith, Becky Tate, and Webbie Hemp; a brother-in-law, Wally Lafferty; a special nephew, Todd Smith; other nephews and nieces: Willie Smith, Jeff Robertson, Matthew Lafferty, Aaron Lafferty, Amy Lafferty, Patti Ann Houck, Jenifer Moss, Debbie Williams, and Georgia Smith; and a number of great nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Arritt Funeral Home with the Rev. Tony Petrosky officiating.
The interment will follow in Union Chapel Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Monday, February 28, 2022 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Arritt Funeral Home.
The family suggests memorial donations in Mr. Smith's name be made to the Falling Spring Rescue Squad at P. O. Box 880, Covington, VA 24426.
The funeral arrangements are being handled by Arritt Funeral Home.
