Verdell Smith

Milford Verdell “Smitty” Smith age 90, of Arab passed away on Friday July 14, 2017, at his daughter’s home in Arab. Verdell was born on March 29, 1927, in Crossville, AL the son of Issac Martin Smith and Minnie Bell Beasley Smith. He was raised on a farm and continued farming up until 1953. After he was married the family moved to Detroit, Michigan where he worked for Packard Motors in 1953. From Nov. 1954-April 1955 he worked for Chrysler in Detroit. After moving back to Alabama Verdell worked for Walker Brothers for a while and then went to work on Redstone Arsenal as a janitor until 1972. He went to work for Marshall County and ran County Park number 2 and in winter months would work at courthouses in Guntersville and Albertville until 1974. He worked as a night watchman for Clayton Chevrolet and Amsouth Bank for about 6 months. He then went to work for the City and in 1979 he started digging graves at Arab Memorial Cemetery. During the 10 years that he did this he recorded that he dug 802 graves. Verdell was a very caring person with a big heart and this job was probably the most special to him of anything he did. He loved helping people in time of need. He went to work for the Arab Housing Authority in 1980 and was there until June 2009. He loved bluegrass and gospel music and enjoyed going to singings and going to Church. He also enjoyed traveling before his health declined. He enjoyed sending cards to people on special occasions and to those in the nursing home and hospitals. Verdell made a profession of faith on July 28, 2011, and witnessed to many people after that of how that experience had changed him. Verdell always was a compassionate and caring individual who went above and beyond to help people but he was even more humble and truly thankful for every blessing after that experience. Survivors include his children: Dorothy York of Arab, Pete Smith of Arab, Oneal Smith of Arab, Michael Smith of Paint Rock Valley and Larry Smith of Florida; 10 Grandchildren and 12 Great Grandchildren; He was preceded in death by his Wife: Mary Bagwell Smith, Daughter: Sandra Pitts and his brothers and sisters; Funeral Service will be Monday July 17, 2017, at 3 PM at Gober Funeral Chapel with Rev. Ennis Stone officiating. Burial will be in Arab Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-3 PM Monday at Gober Funeral Chapel.

Verdell Smith

March 29, 1927 - July 14, 2017