Madison Hamilton Smith Jr.
January 16, 1926 — May 18, 2018
Madison Hamilton Smith, Jr., born January 16, 1926, passed away on May 18, 2018. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Ora Lee McCrary Smith. Madison and Ora Lee had 3 children, Ronald Steven Smith (deceased), and 2 daughters: Carol Smith, and Bren Riddle. Grandchildren: Rhonda Smith, and Ryan Smith. Sisters: Vera Strickland (husband Don), Edra Hill (husband Felix, deceased) Brothers: Paul Smith (wife Janet), and Shelby Smith (wife Frances) and many nieces and nephews.
He was a deacon and Sunday School Teacher at Concord Baptist Church, and an active member since 1939. He very dearly loved his church family.
Madison was a WWII Pilot in the Air Force, and a private pilot for many years thereafter. He retired from US Steel with 36 years service, was a successful Taxidermist, and lived his life to its fullest. There are few things that he did not do, and few places he did not travel.
He lived a long, full life and always had a story to tell. He had great faith in God and is now celebrating in Heaven with Jesus and his loving wife, Ora Lee. He will be dearly missed by his daughters, friends and family.
He was a God fearing man, studied and knew the Bible, and said many times... “When I die, please don’t cry for me, throw a party because my death will be a celebration. I will be with my beautiful wife and Jesus. This is a celebration. not a time for crying and sadness."
No flowers, please. Donations can be made to Concord Baptist Church (Bessemer, AL), The Arc of Central Alabama, or the American Heart Foundation.
Funeral services will be held at Concord Baptist Church on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 with the visitation at 10:00 AM and the funeral at 11:00. Burial will follow at Concord Baptist Cemetery. Rev. Keith Sharp officiating.
He was a deacon and Sunday School Teacher at Concord Baptist Church, and an active member since 1939. He very dearly loved his church family.
Madison was a WWII Pilot in the Air Force, and a private pilot for many years thereafter. He retired from US Steel with 36 years service, was a successful Taxidermist, and lived his life to its fullest. There are few things that he did not do, and few places he did not travel.
He lived a long, full life and always had a story to tell. He had great faith in God and is now celebrating in Heaven with Jesus and his loving wife, Ora Lee. He will be dearly missed by his daughters, friends and family.
He was a God fearing man, studied and knew the Bible, and said many times... “When I die, please don’t cry for me, throw a party because my death will be a celebration. I will be with my beautiful wife and Jesus. This is a celebration. not a time for crying and sadness."
No flowers, please. Donations can be made to Concord Baptist Church (Bessemer, AL), The Arc of Central Alabama, or the American Heart Foundation.
Funeral services will be held at Concord Baptist Church on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 with the visitation at 10:00 AM and the funeral at 11:00. Burial will follow at Concord Baptist Cemetery. Rev. Keith Sharp officiating.
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