A resident of Ava for several years Gene Leroy “Buttons” Smith, son of Vernon Hamilton Smith and Edith Wallingford Smith, was born on April 13, 1946, in Culver City, Calif., and departed this life on March 25, 2007, in Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, at the age of 60.
“Buttons” was a resident of Ava for several years. He resided at Ava Place for the past five years. As a teenager he enjoyed playing the guitar and he worked at one time at a furniture company in Whittier, Calif. Everyone that knew “Buttons” always enjoyed his sweet disposition. He was very intelligent and witty and was a fantastic Bingo player.
“Buttons” loved attending movies and music night at the Ava Family Theater. He loved music and played steel guitar. He enjoyed attending church and reading his Bible.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
His survivors include his close aunt, Ida Arnold, LaFeria, Texas; an uncle, Bill Wallingford, Mulvane, Kan.; close friends Mr. and Mrs. Herval Porter and Marianne Goodwater, all of Ava; aunts, uncles, his friends at Ava Place, and a host of other relatives and friends.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. today (Thursday) at Murray Cemetery south of Ava with the Rev. Robert Grisham officiating.
The service is being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava. Online condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneral home.com.
