Eugene LaFoy Smith's Obituary
Eugene LaFoy Smith, on January 12, 2012, at the age of 87, Eugene LaFoy Smith passed from death to eternal life. Gene was born in Ripley, Mississippi on August 8, 1924 to Walter and Roxie Smith. He was the youngest of 14 children and affectionately called “Gene Boy” by everyone in the family. When Gene was 3 years old the Smith family moved to the Whitehaven area of Memphis where they operated a dairy farm. Before going to school each day, Gene would ride the milk route with his Papa and deliver milk to their customers. He attended all 12 years of school in the facilities of Whitehaven High School. Immediately upon high school graduation, he like many of his classmates, volunteered for military service. Gene was a proud member of “The Greatest Generation” serving his country during WWII. He was a member of the 301st Airdrome Squadron of the Army Air Corp in the South Pacific. He was involved in the battles of New Guinea and Bismark Archipelago. Following honorable discharge in 1945, Gene briefly attended Memphis State University before transferring to North Carolina State University where he received his B.S. in Textile Engineering. Although an engineer by education, it was in another field where he found his true calling and success.Gene was an accomplished businessman and distinguished career agent with AXA-Equitable Life Insurance Company. He was a member of AXA- Equitable’s Order of Excalibur, AXA- Equitable’s Hall of Fame, a life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table and the Recipient of the National Quality Award. His career continued with the opening of KMMS Associates in Germantown, TN where he served his clients with their life insurance and pension needs. As a people person and someone interested in his country, Gene was active in the Republican Party of Tennessee. He served as campaign manager on several occasions for the Republican nominee for west Tennessee’s congressional election. He also served as statewide campaign coordinator for Winfield Dunn’s successful campaign for governor in 1971. Gene was a participant and fan of many sports. As an avid golfer, who played locally at Whitehaven CC, Wyndyke GC and Memphis National GC, he and his wife, Claire, enjoyed their golf vacations throughout the United States; as a diehard University of Memphis basketball supporter and season ticket holder he and Claire attended U of M’s home games at the Pyramid and later at the Forum; and as a proud Papa who dearly loved his great grandchildren, he was the leading cheerleader at their Saturday football, baseball and basketball games. Gene greatly valued his family and found pleasure researching his family history. He and Claire visited many cemeteries and viewed many courthouse records throughout Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. He was proud to have a Scotch-Irish heritage through his Mother’s maiden name, McCown. Church and faith were an important part of Gene’s life. He was a loyal member of First Assembly of God – Memphis where he sang in the choir until his health prevented him from participating. He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Claire Harrison Smith, Parents: Walter and Roxie Smith, Sisters: Christine Jackson, Lena Summers, Alta Stephens, Tina Craft, Bea Johnson, Callie Hutton, Brothers: Clarence Smith, Eulyse Smith, Guy Smith, Bill Smith. He leaves two daughters, Debra Smith Grubbs (Ray) of Ridgeland, MS and Micah Smith Crisp (Dwane) of Olive Branch, MS. He leaves four grandchildren, Michael Grubbs of Arlington, VA., Hailey Hoyt Black (Jeremy) of Huggins, MO. , Ashley Hoyt Benson of Olive Branch MS, and Whitney Crisp of Nashville, TN. He leaves 5 great grandchildren: Catherine Micah and Ethan Benson, Chaz Joyner, Ella Claire and Logan Black. He leaves one sister, Margaret Bence of Memphis, TN and two brothers: T. Wade Smith (Nell) of Germantown, TN. and Russell Smith of Madison, AL. He also leaves many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the loving staff of Dr. Robert Burns, Dr. Robert Segal, Hermitage Gardens of Southaven, Comfort Keepers of Memphis, and Spring Valley Hospice of Olive Branch for their compassionate care. A very special thank you to Antoinette, Abby, Aretha, Carolyn, Janet and the many extended, loving hands that made our father’s stay on earth more comfortable. The celebration of Gene’s life will be held at First Assembly of God – Memphis on Tuesday, January 17th. Visitation will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. followed by the service at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be at the Falkner Cemetery in Falkner, MS. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to First Assembly of God – Memphis, 8650 Walnut Grove Rd, Cordova, TN 38018, or to The Hands of Christ P.O. Box 1252 Franklin, TN 37065.Gene had many special roles during his life – Husband, Father, Papa, Son, Brother, Mentor and Friend, but his most cherished role was always, Child of God. His favorite scripture was Psalms 23:6 – Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
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