Henry Lewis Smith, age 89, of Jackson, Ohio, passed away on Dec. 24, 2017 at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio after several weeks of failing health. Henry was born Jan. 18, 1928 near Eifort, Ohio in Scioto County, the youngest child of the late Cado and Edith (Hughes) Smith. He was the last surviving member of his original family.
He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Juanita (Adkins) Smith; his son, Michael Henry (Helen Jo Wimer) Smith of Georgetown, Ohio; daughter, Bonnie Owens of Athens, Ohio; grandchildren: Nicholas (Alicia) Owens of Columbus, Ohio, Katie Owens of Athens, Ohio, Rebecca Garrett of Richmond, Kentucky, Rachel (Todd) Cluxton of Ripley, Ohio, and Carey (Drew) Shaheen of Cincinnati, Ohio; great-grandchildren: Little Henry Owens, Kennedy and Savannah Shaheen, Drew Baughey, and Carter, Kenley, and Presley Cluxton; brothers-in-law, Ted (Rosie) Adkins, Gary Adkins, and Paul (Ethel) Adkins; sisters-in-law, Madge Smith, Wilma (Paul) Dillon, Deana Adkins, Connie Carney, and Ruby Yates.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings: Eugene (Geraldine) Smith, Floyd Smith, Katherine Smith, Leona “Toots” Smith, and Edna (Carl) Arthur; brothers-in-law, Robert Adkins, Bob Carney, and sister-in-law, Virginia (Leo) Trapp.
Henry began his working life at Plibrico, then on to the N&W Railroad, as an accountant at AP Green and Grant Trucking, in management at Ralston Purina, Banquet Foods, and retired from the Piketon Atomic Plant.
Henry loved people and found them to be so interesting. He loved golf and was the first president of the Franklin Valley Golf Course where he loved playing throughout his lifetime. He also enjoyed square dancing, flying, and farming. He took great pride in the work of the Jackson County Rural Water Company, where he served as a board member for over 30 years, 20 of which he served as president of the board. He was a member of the Portland Masonic Lodge #366 for 60 years, and was also an active Shriner. He was also a member of the Christ United Methodist Church for over 40 years.
Visitation will be held on Friday, Dec. 29, 2017 from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Jackson. Masonic services will begin at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Christ United Methodist Church with Rev. Dave Roach and Rev. Janie Karl officiating; with additional calling hours immediately prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow at Fairmount Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillumfh.com