Obituary of Randal Smith
Randal Shaw Smith of Fairmont, age 65, passed at home on March 9, 2018 after an extended illness. He was born August 24, 1952 in Philippi, West Virginia to the late Rubert C. and Louise S. (Shaw) Smith. His mother passed on March 9th just 18 years ago.
He married his high school sweetheart, Gloria Sue Thompson on March 11, 1972 who survives in Fairmont. He is survived by his only son, Douglas S. Smith and his wife Tina Jones Smith of Worthington. He is also survived by his two grandsons, Dustin Michael and Douglas Scott Jr. who were the light of his life and gave him the will to live the last several years.
Surviving are two brothers, Terry Lee Smith of Elkins and Richard Darl Smith of Mannington. Sisters in Law include Carol Heatherly (Roger) of Georgia, Gladys McDaniel (Raube) Philippi, and Edna Waugaman of Philippi, Berta Thompson of Buckhannon, and a brother in law, Michael Thompson of Buckhannon. Two very special aunts, Maxine Boylen of North Carolina and Helen Smith of Florida. Nephews Richard C., Randal W., and Jachin Smith all of Mannington. A niece Sherry Lee Pitzer and husband William of Bridgeport. Great niece and nephew, Ashley and Tyler Pitzer of Bridgeport. Other nieces and nephews include Roger Heatherly, Jr. of Georgia; Renee Heatherly Rogge of Indiana, Raymond Heatherly of Tennessee, Loretta Auvil of Illinois, Julia Morris, Glen Auvil and Dorsey Thompson all of Philippi. Great nephews and nieces include Rita and Andrew Heatherly, Abygale and Clinton Auvil, Andrew and Tilden Morris, James and William Rogge, Alex and Andrew Thompson, and Amara and Saphira Heatherly.
Randy was very busy during his life. He spent 10 years employed at Fairmont General Hospital. He then moved on to being a Field Representative for Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society which is now known as WoodmenLife where he retired with 30 years of service.
He was an accomplished trout and Steelhead fisherman and enjoyed spending time with his son, Doug and his close friends in the rivers and streams of West Virginia and elsewhere.
He was also instrumental with Dirt Track racing in the area promoting for many years at Pennsboro Speedway, Interstate Speedway, Tyler County Speedway, Hagerstown Speedway, and also WV Motor Speedway and was known by many racers throughout the states.
He was also proud that he was of the stature to be the best Santa Claus in the state being named West Virginia’s “Official State Santa” by A. James Manchin in 1980. He enjoyed the home visits the most when he could interact with the children and that was his pure enjoyment. He was also WV’s only Credentialed Ambassador of Goodwill.
Special thank you to the girls and Chaplain from WV Caring Hospice Care, Sabrena, Stephanie, Roxanne, Haley, Vickie, Rachel, Amber, Tressa, and Lori and Rev. Spence. You all made his last month’s bearable and loved you all very much and anyone at this organization who was instrumental in his care.
He will be missed by many during racing season, fishing season and Christmas time.
Friends will be received at the RC Jones Funeral Home 1410 Country Club Rd. Fairmont on Sunday, March 11th from 2-8 pm. Friends will also be received at Wright Funeral Home 220 N. Walnut St. Philippi on Monday, March 12th from 2-8pm and on Tuesday, March 13th from 12-2pm the service time with Pastor John Snyder, Speaker Marilyn Denison, Speaker Paul Wilmoth, Speaker Danny Denoon, and Speaker Spencer Graham officiating. Interment will follow in the Crossroads Cemetery at Tacy.
