Courtney Eugene "Smitty" Smith

Courtney Eugene "Smitty" Smith, 83, of Jefferson City, passed away Friday, May 6, 2011, at his residence. He was born October 15, 1926, near Green Ridge, the son of the late Tony Courtney and Mary Eugenia King Smith. On July 4, 1953, he was united in marriage to Marilyn Jean Ritzo of Omaha, Neb., who survives at the home. Courtney attended Hope Dale Grade School in Green Ridge and was a 1945 graduate of Green Ridge High School. In 1950, he was called for two years of military service where he received a degree as an electrician. Courtney worked at Katy Machine Shop as a machinist and welder and Katy Railroad. He was also employed with the Missouri State Penitentiary and Chesebrough Ponds, where he retired from both with more than 30 years of service. Courtney loved being with his family and grandchildren. He enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing with his grandchildren, and gardening with his wife, Marilyn. Courtney attended the Jehovah's Witnesses South Congregation. He loved talking to everyone about Jehovah God and reading the Bible helping others to draw closer to our God. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and was loved by all. Along with his wife, he is survived by four children: Tony Smith and his wife Cyndi of Holts Summit, Mary Harrison and her husband James of Holts Summit, John Smith and his fiancÈe Lisa Irwin of Jefferson City, and Ronald Smith and his wife Tricia of Jefferson City; one brother: William "Billy" H. Smith and his wife Joann of Sedalia; 18 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister: Christine J. Neviles. Friends will be received from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, May 9, 2011, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 10, 2011, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home with Gary Carey officiating. Interment will follow in Hawthorn Memorial Gardens. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Kingdom Hall or a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at millardfamilychapels.com