Herbert NeSmith

Walter Herbert NeSmith, (“Daddy”:“Paw”; “Uncle Hub”), age 90, of Shady Grove Community, left his earthly life on July 17, 2015 at Marshall County Medical Center North after a short illness. He will be greatly missed by his loving family, many friends, and the community he loved and served. Herbert was born April 5, 1925 in the Shady Grove Community son of Tavis Nebron NeSmith and Lois (Maze) NeSmith; grandson of William Sherrell NeSmith and Maggie (Stone) NeSmith; Mack Maze and Ellen (Powell) Maze. He was the oldest remaining member of the pioneer NeSmith family that settled what now is Blount County, Alabama, more than 200 years ago. He was a member of the Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church where he served as pastor for several years before he retired. He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Glennis (Leak) NeSmith and three children, Billie (Frank) Spicuzza of Knoxville, Tennessee, Sarah NeSmith of Cleveland, Alabama, and Larry (Vicki) NeSmith of Huntsville, Alabama; one grandson, Tray (Linnie) NeSmith. He had two step-grandsons, Chris and Scott Beshears; four great-grandchildren, Jordan, Christian and Bennett NeSmith and Emma Bearden; four step-great-grandchildren, Brady, Hunter, Tori, and Lawson Beshears; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Ewell, Cecil and Neal NeSmith, and sisters Annie Maude Kelsoe and Faye Dismukes. Herbert was a self-made man. He loved the freedom that came from owning a business. He started out with a small country store located on Highway 231 near his home, but he is best known for his many years as owner of NeSmith Motors located on Main Street in Arab. His honesty and fair dealing earned him loyal customers and many friends. When he was not on the lot selling a car, he liked spending time in his small office talking politics, sports, and religion with those who dropped by to visit. He was a regular at the morning coffee group of local businessmen who gathered at the sandwich counter at Latham’s Drugstore to talk about business, politics and sports. When he retired, he returned to his roots and became an avid gardener and fisherman. He was in his garden from early morning to late afternoon. He loved to watch things grow and he loved to eat his produce even more. He spent countless hours on the lake with his son, Larry. and his son-in-law, Frank, joined them when he was in town. Religion was the cornerstone of Herbert’s life. His belief in God was deep and true. He was a respected preacher and teacher of the scriptures. He believed in a powerful yet loving, kind God who is the creator of all. He practiced this belief in his daily life—he respected all people, all religions, and all of God’s creatures. The family thanks the doctors, nurses, and social worker at Marshall County Medical Center North and the staff of Marshall County Hospice for their care of Herbert during his illness. Receiving of friends will be Sunday July 19, 2015 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Gober Funeral Chapel, Arab, Alabama. Funeral services will be Monday July 20 at 2:00 P.M. at the Shady Grove Baptist Church, with Elder Matt Jordan and Rev. Ennis Stone, officiating. Interment will follow at the adjacent cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Jerry NeSmith, Tommy NeSmith, Macky NeSmith, Tim McRae, Kenny Thrasher and Larry NeSmith. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Harrol Dismukes, Frank Spicuzza, Scott Beshears, Chris Beshears, Tray NeSmith, Bud Walker, Alton Hunt and Danny Leak.

Herbert NeSmith

April 5, 1925 - July 17, 2015