J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

Smith, Andrew Lake

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Surry, Virginia
Andrew Lake Smith, 85, a resident of Surry, passed away Friday, November 27, 2009. Born August 25, 1924 in Bland County, he was the son of the late John Samuel Smith and Tamsy Opal Davis Smith. He served his country during World War II in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Nelson, DD-623, European Theatre, and was a past Commander of American Legion Post #160, Surry. He was also a member the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Surry Ruritan Club, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Roanoke. Mr. Smith retired in 1991 after 55 years of service as a field supervisor for electric tower installation with L. E. Myers Electrical Corporation.
Mr. Smith is survived by his wife of 32 years, Beatrice Johnson Smith; three sons, Andrew Lake Smith, Jr., and his wife Debbie of Roanoke, Steven Dana Smith and his wife Donna of Wytheville, and F. M. Smith of Yadkinville NC; a daughter, Mattie Belle Walters of Wytheville; a step-daughter, Selinda Judkins of Fayetteville NC, and a step-son, Cornell Ward and his wife Vicki of Surry; five half-sisters, Sallie Mills, Frances Parks, Patricia Grubb, Evelyn Reese, and Joyce Hall; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and several aunts and uncles. He was predeceased by a brother, Luther, and sisters Emma and Pearlie.
A funeral service will be held at Purviance Chapel, J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, Wakefield on Wed. Dec. 2, 2009, at 2:00 pm with Rev. Ray Rowland officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Mill Swamp Cemetery, Ivor. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association/Greater Richmond, 4600 Cox Rd., Suite 130, Richmond, Glen Allen, VA 23060. Condolences may be posted at www.jtmorriss.com.

My Friends,
I have cherished you friendship for many years and my heart, love and prays go out to you. I have admired and respected Lake every since I worked for him in Selma with Hoosier Engineering. He expected the very best out of his men and would settle for nothing less. If there were still people like him in the work force I'm sure this country would be a lot better off. I just finished watching the memorial slide show and had such a surreal feeling watching a great mans life pass before my eyes. It also became more and more personal as I watched Mattie Belle and Smitty growing older before my very eyes. I love you guys and I pray your time of grieving will be brief and will also be a time of fond memories and comfort and please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
Always,
Kenny

Posted by: Kenny Grubbs at December 3, 2009 02:13 PM

Our hearts go out to Bea and the entire family and friends of Lake. God Bless you as you take comfort in knowing that the Lord as a large man with a big heart in His presence. He will be spending Christmas with Jesus this year. Love, Eddie and Rose Stalnaker

Posted by: Eddie and Rose Stalnaker at December 2, 2009 08:05 PM

Lake was a very good friend to me, particularly following the death of my father-in-law. I found myself in uncharted waters and he was there with quiet reassurance. Along with being a man with a big heart, Lake was one of the smartest men I've ever known. He had a way of making you think your way through until you found the best way to complete a task, all the while allowing you to keep your dignity. He had a good sense of humor too, and every now and then he's let loose with that unmistakable laugh. I hope your family will take comfort in knowing that he set a fine example for the rest of us.
Faith West

Posted by: Faith West at December 1, 2009 03:08 PM

Andy, Dana, F.M., Mattie Belle,

I guess we all know these things are going to happen eventually, but we, being the selfish humans that we are, hope they never will. I remember Uncle Lake being there when I was little, he always seemed like a "great big" man to me. I remember a few times in particular that he seemed to be "mine" for the day, I'm sure it was just a little bit of time, but he spent it with me. I'll never forget how special he made me feel, and how easy he was to talk to. As a little girl, he was awesome, my hero. Just know that he will be forever remembered by that little girl and that I completely share your loss. I wish I could be there with you during this terrible time in your lives, just know you're in my thoughts and prayers, and I love you all... DeeDee

Posted by: DeeDee Delano at November 30, 2009 08:27 PM

I first met Lake when I was 17 years and got my first adult job with Richardson Wayland Electrical Corp. As a young man, I must admit I had never met a more intimidating figure. His was a larger than life presence. As I came to know him over the years, I found him to be one of the kindest most concerned people I've ever known. He was a true friend to my parents and to many in the Surry community, his adopted home. Surry has always been a great place to live and it was made a better place when Lake decided to make it his home. It's not quite as good a place today because of his loss. All of us who knew him will miss him. Bea, Mattie, and all of Lake's family, please know that we truly share your loss. God Bless.

Charles West

Posted by: Charles West at November 29, 2009 06:50 PM