Lathan R. Smith

SMITH-Mr. Lathan R. Smith, age 89, of Clearwater, S.C., husband of the late Dorothy Coursey Smith and son of the late Leroy Smith and the late Maggie Hefner Smith, entered into rest on Friday, July 29, 2011. He is survived by sons, Kim R. Smith of Clearwater, S.C. and Roger G. “Butch” Smith and his wife, Susie of Destin, Florida; grandchildren, Kelly Johnson, Shannon Smith, Bradley Smith, Taylor Smith, Craig Smith and Erin Smith; three great grandchildren, Peyton Johnson, Grayson Johnson and Johnny Smith; a number of nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by a brother, Cleveland L. Smith and a sister, Lucille Jackson. He was a retired supervisor and Master Mechanic with United Merchants; and up to his failing health, he was a dedicated, faithful and proud employee of Napier Funeral Home. Even after he had to retire from the funeral home, he would call everyday as if to report in and check out what was going on. He was also a very special friend for many years to Sammie and Glenda Napier. He was a very crafty person, and if you could dream it, he could make it. He came up with many ideas and useful inventions for the funeral home. He loved music, and in his younger days, enjoyed playing the saxophone. He was of the Baptist Faith. He was a US Army Veteran having served his country during World War II. He was a kind and caring person and would do anything for you, especially for his friends; in other words, if he liked you, you knew it and if he didn’t like you, you knew it. Yes, he was a very unique person and shall be greatly missed by his family, friends and all whose lives he touched during the 89 precious years that God granted him on this earth. He has completed life’s journey and is now at peace. A service celebrating his life will be held on Monday, August 1, 2011 at 1:00 PM in the Chapel of Napier Funeral Home with Rev. Herb Sons and Rev. Gene Wilson officiating. The interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Graniteville. The pallbearers will be Eric Johnson, Taylor Smith, Craig Smith, David Coursey, Jimmy Powell, Wayne Powell, Bradley Smith and Jim Mock. The family will receive friends at the funeral home this Sunday evening, July 31st from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Lathan’s honor, may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2623 Washington Road, Suite F. 104, Augusta, Ga. 30904. Napier Funeral Home, 315 Main Street, Graniteville, S. C 29829, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.