French Darrell Smith

February 9, 2021

French Darrell Smith (98) of Elkview, died following a short illness at home, surrounded by loved ones, on February 9, 2021. He was born in Crawford, Roane County June 12, 1922. He was the son of the late Lewis V. and Lona Rebecca (Daughtery) Smith. He was married for 57 years to Maxine Evans of Clendenin from September 16, 1942 until her death on July 18, 1999. He was also preceded in death by his 2nd wife, Thelma of Elkview; 11 brothers and sisters; his grandson Timothy Smith, son-in-law Clarence Willard Roy; and daughter-in-law, Margaret Jane (Sypolt) Smith. He is survived by his children; Sharon (Smith) Roy of Flemingsburg, KY, Edwin Smith of Buckhannon, WV, Sandra and husband Joe Breinig of Leesburg, VA and Richard and wife Cheryl (Abbott) Smith of Elkview; his grandchildren, Cindy (Jeff) Schwartz of Flemingsburg, KY, Michele (Toby) Mosler of Wapakoneta, OH, Michael (Melissa) Roy of Orlando, FL, Susan (Mike) Barkley of Louisville, KY, William (Stephanie) Smith of Baltimore, MD, Joseph (Theresa) Breinig of Leesburg, VA, Christine (Joe) Moye of Aldie, VA, and Amanda (Zak) Boyko of Charleston, WV; He was blessed with 22 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. After finishing Clendenin High School, he started his career with Columbia Gas Corporation at Kenova in 1940 and retired in 1985. He was a US Army Veteran of World War II. You could always find French in his local church, leading the congregation in singing, member of the church choir, or singing in a quartet. His love of singing in church was evident to anyone who heard him sing and we were blessed by his voice and love of the Lord. Services will be private due to the pandemic. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory can be made to: Hospice Care 1601 Kanawha Blvd. West Charleston, WV 25387. Interment will be at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens with American Legion Post 61 performing Military Graveside rights and Pastor Nahum Balser and Pastor Lee Swor officiating. Matics Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at maticsfuneralhome.com.