Earl Foster Smith

Earl Foster Smith, age 84, died on Thursday, April 4, 2019 at his residence with his daughter Carol by his side. Services will be held Saturday, April 6, 2019 at 2:00 at Memorial Gunter Peel College Street Chapel with his son-n–law Reverend Paul Barham officiating. Burial with U.S. Navy Honors will follow at Egger Cemetery . Visitation will be held one hour prior to service at the funeral home.

Mr. Smith was born September 7, 1934, in Caledonia , MS to the late Zack Foster and Ora Pearl Andrews Smith. He had 1 brother, the late Charles Edward Smith and 2 sisters, Barbara Ruth Smith Kimbrough and Mary Madgalene Smith Ray, 3 nephews & 4 nieces. Earl was a 1953 graduate of Greenwood Springs High School . In 1957, He joined the United States Navy and served in Saigon , South Vietnam on the aircraft carrier USS Lexington. After being injured in the Vietnam War, he was sent to the US Naval Hospital in Jacksonville , Florida where he met his bride of 40 years, the late Neva Golden Smith. He fell head over heels in love with her and didn’t care that she had 6 children. They became an instant family. After Earl and Neva married, Earl gained 4 daughters, Jean Fairchild Cunningham (Jim), Joyce Fairchild ( Marion ), Marie Whitaker (Sonny) baby girl, Carol Barham (Paul) and 2 sons, the late O’neal Golden (Louise) and the late Forrest Golden (Billie). Together, they had their beloved poodle, the late KC Smith. They also had 16 grandchildren, many great and great-great grandchildren. He received the Navy Unit Commendation & Ribbon Bar, Vietnam Medal Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal. Earl and Neva owned and operated Hwy 12 Hardware for many years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church , Columbus , MS . In 1983, he became a Mason Grand Master and did many charitable works throughout the years. An electrician by trade, Earl could do anything he set his mind to. He enjoyed reading, watching westerns, listening to Jerry Clower, tinkering with model planes and watching his cats play. He was a true southern gentleman and man of integrity who was loved by his family and community.

Pall Bearers:

Grandson Douglas Barham, Great Grandson’s Christopher Barham, Brandon Merchant, Brady Merchant and long time friends Allen Jones & Clyde N. (Bud) Egger.

Honorary Pall Bearers:

Ronnie Smith, Glenn Baldwin, Glenn’s BBQ Staff, Kindred Hospice and long time best friend Pete Sullivan