R. Gene Smith

R. Gene Smith, 78, of Orange Park, FL, passed away December 8, 2014. He was born on June 19, 1936 in Millry, AL to parents Frank and Verna Hester Smith. Mr. Smith served his country in the United States Navy and had worked as a Plant Director for Winn-Dixie Dairy Plants. He moved to the local area in 1977 from Tallahassee, FL and was of the Baptist faith. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer. He was known for his saying, “If it flies, it dies!” Survivors include his wife, Barbara Smith; daughters, Vicki Smith of Neptune Beach, FL and Terri Hill (Randi) of Crystal River, FL and grandson, Riley Hill of Duluth, MN. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, December 13, 2014 in the Broadus-Raines Chapel with Reverend Russell Franklin officiating and with military honors. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Jacksonville National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org.