Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Milner Wayne Smith of the Lake Harding community died March 20, 2020 following a brief illness.

Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents, Allen Smith and Charlene Milner Smith. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sandra Spivey Smith; son, Ric Smith (Carole); daughter, Rhonda Smith Dougherty (Kevin); grandchildren, Zack Dougherty, Kathryn Dougherty, and Harry Smith; brother, Vernon Smith (Jeanette).

A native of Riverview, Smith was born May 7, 1934. He graduated from Valley High School in 1952, where he and his future wife, Spivey, were pictured next to each other in the high school yearbook. He received a BS in Textile Engineering from Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University). Following graduation, Smith served in the U.S. Army at Ft. Knox, KY.

Smith spent most of his career working in various positions with West Point-Pepperell/West Point-Stevens. He was also plant manager of Santee Print Works in Sumter, SC. In 1967, he was named Young Man of the Year by the West Point and Valley Jaycees.

An avid gardener, Mr. Smith was known for propagating hostas and other outdoor plants. He enjoyed reading and researching a variety of subjects. He also enjoyed developing recipes for cakes, pies, soups, and stews.

Due to gathering restrictions, the family held a private graveside service Saturday, March 21 at Resthaven Cemetery.

Smith was a member of Beulah Baptist Church. Donations may be made to the church at 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley, AL 36854.

Visit www.johnsonbrownservicefh.com to sign the online guest book. Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home of Valley is directing.