Wayne R Smith
June 7, 1937 ~ May 1, 2019
Wayne R. Smith, 81, of Princeton, Illinois died Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, Illinois.
Wayne Russell Smith was born in Thomas, Illinois, in June, 1937, to Gladys and Tom Smith. He attended Sheffield High School and served in the National Guard. After high school, he served in the Air Force and trained in Air Traffic Control. In 1966, Wayne married Gwenda Miller and they resided in Mineral while raising their two children, Scott and Terri. He enjoyed family vacations to Yellowstone, Disneyland, and Hawaii. Wayne retired from LTV Steel after 30 years.
Wayne was an extremely disciplined jogger, running 6 miles a day in all types of weather on the various roads surrounding Mineral. After moving to Princeton, he became a dedicated indoor exerciser at the Bureau County Metro Center. He was an avid reader and a talented crossword puzzle solver. Those who knew Wayne will remember his kindness, sense of humor, generosity, friendship, and strength of character. Throughout his life, he cared for and supported family and friends with terminal illnesses. His empathy for others was immense.
He is survived by his brother, Wendell Smith, his son and daughter-in-law Scott and Brenda Smith, his daughter and son-in-law Terri and Keith Taylor, his grandchildren, Shannon and Rylie Smith, his very dear friend Donna Monier, and numerous nieces and nephews. It was Wayne’s wishes to forgo a funeral and wake, and his ashes will be laid to rest by his family.
Wayne really valued the Princeton Library and other charities. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Princeton Public Library or another charity.
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Our deeps sympathy for the family.
Dear smith family ,
The purpose for this condolence is to share some Encouragement. Nothing can prepare us for the death of a child, parent, spouse or, relative. The pain of death cannot be eluded and, its finality can be devastating. Relatives and friends can bring us comfort. I turned to the bible for the much needed comfort. We will see our dead loved ones again. The bible says here is Going to be a resurrection Acts 24:15. 100 percent of what is said in the bible comes true. When you are ready, perhaps I can assist you in finding additional finding encouragement. God’s Word and time will bring you encouragement and strength to deal with the grief. This pain you might think will never end. Having lost 2 children in their twenties my father when I was 4 and he was 35. My mother in 2008, I can somewhat empathize with what you are feeling. In the interim please visit our website JW.org for additional comfort, wholesome movies, and additional helpful information
Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Sincerely Kind Christian Regards, Ron Padlo ronaldpadlo@ yahoo.com
Terri, your father was a fine man. I would see him at the Met, or mall walking in Peru, and he always took time to speak and ask how I was doing. Whenever he mentioned you, it was always very evident how proud he was, and how much he loved you. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
I met Wayne, who I immediately referred to as Smitty, at the Met about twenty-five years ago and liked to be on the treadmill next to him so we could talk. He could talk about anything, and always made it interesting. After about fifteen years I became a Met dropout but still got to see him often at the library. What a lovely man…I will miss knowing that he’s brightening up the world wherever he went, but heaven just got a whole lot sweeter. Rest In Peace, Smitty…ðŸ˜
The Caterpillar Inc. CMEC team would like to express our condolences on the passing of Mr. Wayne Smith. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I am so sorry to hear of Waynes passing, I had been missing him at Walmart and wondered what happened to him. I really enjoyed our chat times and he was always a stinker! He will truly be missed, thoughts and prayers to the family. Cherish your memories, he and his true love Gwen are together again!
It has now been three years since Wayne passed away and I think about him often. He was like a father figure to me and I just really loved the guy. I know we’ll see each other again in Heaven someday and I truly look forward to catching up with him when that time comes.