Ernest Haskell Smith

Ernest Haskell Smith, 85, of 132 Tanglewood Drive, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on September 23, 2008. Born in Oconee County on November 12, 1922, he was the son of the late John Thomas and Alice White Smith. Mr. Smith was retired from J.P. Stevens Dunean Plant in Greenville following over 40 years of service. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force for over 3 years and was honorably discharged due to Malaria he contracted while serving in the islands. The records indicate he served on 55 bombing missions and was the last member that was still living prior to his passing. Mr. Smith was a member of the former Judson Baptist Church, for over 50 years, where he served as a teacher for both the young intermediate class and the Steadfast Men's Bible class. He also served as deacon and chairman of the deacon board. Most recently he joined the Dunean Baptist Church where he was on the homebound list. Surviving, are his wife of 62 years, Pearl Hudgens Smith; daughter, Emily Smith of the home; three sons, James Thomas Smith and his wife, Helen, of Easley, David Kenneth Smith and his wife, Lynn, of Greenville, Michael Ernest Smith of Dacusville; eight grandchildren, Jason Smith, Shaun Smith, Chris Smith, Stephen Smith and Michelle Barton all of Dacusville, Alice Smith of Easley, Ryan Smith of Summerville, SC and Dana Habersang of Jacksonville, NC; he has been truly blessed with great grandchildren, Jarod Barton, Gracie and Cadence Smith, Logan and Hailey Smith all of Dacusville, Kristen Smith of Summerville, SC; and two sisters, Ina Vernon and Jackie Taylor both of Greenville. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Harold Smith and two sisters, Winnie and Connie Smith. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Dunean Baptist Church, Lottie Moon Christmas offering, 21 Allen Street, Greenville, SC 29605. The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 25, 2008 from 1:30 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Downtown. A celebration of his life will follow at 3:00 p.m. in the downtown chapel. Burial will be in Woodlawn Memorial Park. The family will be at the residence