Russell Paul Smith Jr., July 2, 1926 — Oct. 27, 2020, lived a long (94 years) and exemplary life.
Born in Philadelphia, Pa., he spent most of his young formative years in the western part of the state — Grove City, Pa., where he graduated from Grove City College. His college career was interrupted with his draft into military service in 1944. He served in the U.S. Navy, Pacific Theatre, and was honorably discharged in August of 1946.
On Aug. 23, 1951 he began a long marriage with Cornelia Kuykendall. They celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary this past August while living at Brookdale Assisted Living in Maryville, Tenn. In the time of COVID-19, this was a small celebration with a window separating the married couple from close family.
Russ valued work and careful financial management. He was a dedicated worker using his skills in a long career as a chemical engineer, mostly employed at Y-12 in Oak Ridge (23 years), but also as a safety manager at United Nuclear Corporation, Fuels Recovery Plant in Rhode Island(16 years). He not only took care of his family financially, but was a steady, calm, caring, patient husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, with a witty sense of humor.
Russ contributed to his community by volunteering, especially after he retired, with the Ecumenical Storehouse in Oak Ridge, which collects donated furniture and distributes it to people in need. He also volunteered in Oak Ridge as an IRS tax consultant for 22 years. Russ volunteered with United Church, Chapel on the Hill, as treasurer.
Russ loved being with his family, walking in the woods with his dog, working in his shop or vegetable garden, watching sports, playing golf, doing crossword puzzles, building a wood fire, smoking his pipe and eating pineapple upside down cake, coconut cream pie or anything chocolate.
His passing and his life will be honored every day by remembering and attempting to emulate his loving kindness and unending patience. It is hoped that a memorial service will be held in the brighter days after the danger of COVID-19 has passed.
If you are inclined to donate in his name, consider a gift to the Chapel on the Hill, which has a strong commitment to helping the Oak Ridge community through financial assistance to needy families and individuals as well as scholarships for local students.
Arrangements by Cremation By Grandview, (865) 738-024, www.CremationByGrandview.com
