Wilbur "Flex" James Smith, Jr

Wilbur "Flex" James Smith Jr., 84, of Negley, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, July 20, 2016. He was known to many, and everyone had their own name for him including: W.J., Flex (Flix), Junior, Smitty, Wilby, and Poppy.

Wilbur resided in Negley most of his life. He was born May 29, 1932, at his family homestead in Monroeville, Ohio, to Wilbur and Mabel (Catlett) Smith. He graduated from Lisbon High School and went on to University in Minneapolis, MN. Wilbur met and courted his childhood sweetheart in the berry fields, a place the two of them never truly left! He married this very lovely lady, Shirley Ann (Kidder) Smith on May 29, 1952, and they remained inseparable for the next 64 years. They were blessed with three beautiful children, Melody (Smith) Craik of Burlington, KY, James Smith of Negley, OH, Sindy (Smith) Hope of East Liverpool, OH. His favorite saying to all was to always remember we were "All Poppy's Kids", and so his happiness was multiplied with the addition of six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A true provider and family man, Wilbur worked selflessly throughout the years. He retired in 1994, after 43 years of service as a Block Operator, from the Railroad (at that time Conrail). Once retired, Wilbur was able to devote himself full-time to his life's passions, which were gardening his ten acres and enjoying his ever growing family! He truly loved to be in his garden, which was where he always said he could find himself closest to God. His great passion each year was growing enough fruits and berries to make canned "Poppy's Jelly" for his grandchildren to enjoy each winter. His hobbies included a love for all things hunting and fishing! In 1973 he locally harvested a typical buck that scored an outstanding 151-6/8 points by Boone and Crocket Club standards, and qualified Wilbur for initiation into The Buckeye Big Bucks Club, Inc.

Wilbur was a proud member and generous supporter of many charitable organizations. He served as a Mason in the Negley Lodge #565 F&AM and the Jenkins Irondale Lodge #471 F&AM. Wilbur was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of Steubenville. He was also a member of the Royal Arch Masons of East Liverpool. He was awarded 'Mason of the Year' by the Negley Lodge in 2004 & 2007, for his unselfish and devoted work for the lodge and all it stands for. The Masonic Grand Lodge awarded Wilbur the 50 Year Award in 2014 to honor his lifetime commitment to their organization.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Shirley Ann (Kidder) Smith and his three children. He is also survived by his brother Kenneth (Jeri) Smith of Salem, OH, and sister, Janice Faye (Smith) (John) Mundy of West Point, OH. He was predeceased by his sister Elizabeth "Betty" (Smith) Stark in 2009 and brother Donald "Don" Eugene Smith in 2000.

The family deeply appreciates the help and care provided by the East Palestine EMS. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers people to make contributions to these men and women who went above and beyond many times.

There will not be a viewing or funeral service. We invite family and close friends to visit with us at a memorial picnic to be held this Saturday.

Sign a guest register and send condolences to the family at the Van Dyke-Swaney-Rettig Funeral Home's website, www.familycareservices.com