Preston Carter Smith, Jr.

Preston Carter “Smiley” Smith, Jr., 85, of Portsmouth, died Monday, September 14, 2020 at the SOMC Hospice Center. He was born February 6, 1935 in Portsmouth, a son of the late Preston C. and Ruth Ford Smith.

Preston retired from the former Norfolk & Western Railway Co. where he was a brake inspector and he served in the Army as a paratrooper. A standout football player, he graduated in 1953 from Portsmouth High School. Preston attended Pleasant Green Baptist Church, where he was a member of the board

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Loretta; two sons, Preston C. “Spanky” Smith and Duane L. Smith, Sr.; and a grandson, D. Brandon Beckwith.

Surviving are his daughter, Ronda Gay Beckwith of Dayton; four grandchildren, Jason (Dacie) Smith, Duane L. (Jillian) Smith II, Danada Beckwith and Dedra Beckwith; eight great-grandchildren, Drue, Jate, Daylon, Dominique, Cannon, Juan, Jade and D. Brandon, Jr.; two great-great grandchildren, Braylan and Juan III; close friend and mother of Ronda, Thelma L. Turner of Dayton; longtime friend, Hazel Richardson of Portsmouth; and two special caregivers, Tony Watt and Janice Parker, both of Portsmouth.

A Memorial Service will be held September 26, 2020 from 3 to 5 PM. The family regrets that due to COVID-19, masks are required and you must request an invitation to attend to see if capacity has been reached by texting (937) 701-7787. Please leave your contact information. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth.

Special thanks go to Carolyn, Amber, Betty, Thelma and the staff of the SOMC Hospice Center for the compassionate care Preston received.