Earl A. Smith's Obituary
Earl Abijah Smith passed away peacefully at home January 11, 2006. He was born July 15, 1929 in Central City, Nebraska and moved to Tacoma in 1935. He graduated from Stadium High School in 1947, attended the College of Puget Sound and served two years in the army during the Korean War. On September 12, 1950 he married his high school sweetheart Sally Waller at the Little Church on the Prairie. They were married for 53 years and together raised four children. Earl was preceded in death by Sally, the love of his life, in 2004. Also preceding him in death were his sister Bonnie Burnside and brother Jack Smith. Earl is survived by his four children; Susan Dick (David) of Seattle, Andrew (Linda) of Edgewood, Mac of Tacoma, Brian (Vikki) of Lacey and nine grandchildren; Derek, Jarred, Lindsey, Matthew, Abijah, Jackson, Ryland, Rory and Tyler.Earl spent 25 years as an electrical contractor for Totem Electric of Tacoma, Inc. before retiring in 1989. While at Totem he served a term as the president of the SW Washington Chapter of the National Association of Electrical Contractors. Earl also believed in giving back to his community. During his lifetime he served in several leadership roles for many community organizations including the Tacoma-Pierce County YMCA, the West End Athletic Club and Fircrest Golf Club. He was also a volunteer football and baseball coach and long-time Tacoma-area umpire. Earl will be remembered for his sense of humor and generous spirit. He was a loving husband and father as well a good friend to many. Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, January 16, 2006 at the Mt. View Funeral Home Garden Chapel, Tacoma. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Franciscan Hospice in memory of Earl A. Smith, PO Box 1502, Tacoma, WA 98401-1502.
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