Emmitt L. Smith, 85 of Panama City, Florida passed peacefully at his home on February 24, 2024.
Emmitt was a working man for his entire life, never shying away from a heavy load and always quick to help those in need.
He had more friends than you could easily count, and everyone knew him. He would do the right thing, even if it was the harder thing to do. He had a green thumb and excelled at making things grow.
Most importantly, Emmitt taught these character traits to his children.
Emmitt was born on October 10, 1938 in Wausau, Florida to Newton Smith and Lillie Mae (Taylor) Smith.
He was married to his love, Clara (Kelly) Smith, for 65 years and together they owned and operated Bayview Dairy in Panama City and then Smith Trucking Company in Panama City.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Newton and Lillie Mae Smith; brothers, Robert Smith and TD Smith; and sister, Jaunell Owens.
He is survived by his loving wife, Clara Smith of Panama City, Florida; his four children, Debra Goulding and husband Paul of Chipley, Florida; Lisa Phillips and husband Harold of Southport, Florida; Emmitt Stephen Smith and wife Tammie of Lynn Haven, Florida; Darryl Smith of Bonifay, Florida; two sisters, Laurell Harvey of Wausau, Florida; and Mary Ellen Barnes and husband Edward Salter of Repton, Alabama.
His is also survived by nine grandchildren and fourteen grandchildren, Ryan and Kayla Redmon, Richton and Olivia; Terra and Rob Gibson, Hunter, Lilly and Chase; Anna and Rudy Sullivan, Jeffrey; Matthew and Tamara Goulding, Elizabeth and Rocky; Jade and James Ball, Harper and Jaxon; Cole and Mackenzie Smith; Jordan and Danny Bonikowsky, Clara, Gabriel; Casie and Alex Gray, Israel and Norah; and Mary Catherine and Brody Baker.
Funeral services will be held at 11AM on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Obert Funeral Home Chapel, 731 Kirkland Road, in Chipley, with Brother Joey Nichols officiating.
Interment will follow in Wausau, Florida Memorial Gardens Cemetery, with Obert Funeral Home of Chipley, Florida directing.
The family will receive friends for visitation from 10AM until 11AM on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Obert Funeral Home.
