Earl Hazel Smith, 85, of Natural Bridge, Virginia, died Thursday, March 1, 2012 at his home.

Born April 25, 1926 in Rockbridge County, he was a son of the late Elizah Smith and Mary Margaret Clark Smith.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Charlie Smith.

Earl retired from Burlington Industries after many years of service.

Surviving are his wife, Lucille; children, Kitty Knick, Carol Dyer and husband, Jack, who was considered a son, and a dear friend, Wayne Smith and wife, Kay; Sherri Smith-Wilson and husband, Tom; Robbie Wilcher and wife, Becky; Gail Cash and husband, Larry; fourteen grandchildren, Jason, Marcie, Aaron, Laura, Jackson, Jacob, Ashley, Jason, Amanda, Noah, Faith, Tabitha, Pam, Chrissy, and Dustin; nine great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be conducted at 12 p.m. Sunday, March 4, 2012 at Bolling, Grose & Lotts Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Larry Miles officiating. Burial will follow at Rockbridge Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in memory of Earl H. Smith to the Monacan Indian Nation, Attn: Sally Sturgill (Treasurer), P.O. Box 1136, Madison Heights, VA 24572.

The family will receive friends 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 3, 2012 at Bolling, Grose, & Lotts Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Buena Vista, VA.