Merle E. “Smitty” Smith, 77, passed away at home surrounded by his family. 

He was born to the late Harry Edward and Laura Bell (Hupp) Smith on Oct. 1, 1945 in Woodsfield. 

On Dec. 26, 1978, he married the love of his life, JoAnn Simmering. The two shared 44 wonderful years of marriage with lots of laughter and memories. 

Merle retired from General Motors after working as a maintenance welder for 34 years. Both inside and outside of work, he was known as the go-to man to fix or build just about anything. He served in the Army National Guard, was a member of the VFW Post 5101 and lifetime member of the Amvets Post 31. 

In his spare time, he was an avid hunter and fisherman, who loved to teach all his grandkids the right way to hunt and fish. Merle also enjoyed watching NASCAR races and his favorite westerns on TV. 

Merle is survived by his loving wife, JoAnn Smith; son, Kirk (Sandy) Smith; daughters, LaTisha Alterio and Tasha Hall; grandchildren, Kayleb Hall, Preston Alterio, Kyler Hall, Zavier Alterio, Kennedy Hall, Andrew Mattone, J.T. Mattone, Savannah Coffman, Brock Stamper and Kyle Stamper; five great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family members and friends. 

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter, Christine Steinman; grandson, Ryan Stamper; two brothers and three sisters. 

The Smith family received guests Friday, June 16, 2023, at the Snyder Funeral Home, Lexington Ave. Chapel. A funeral service was held Saturday, June 17, 2023. Burial was at Shauck Cemetery.

Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Smitty’s family and encourage you to leave a fond memory or message of condolence on his obituary page at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.