Earl Smith, 63, of Moundville, peacefully entered eternal rest Friday, July 10, at Hospice of West Alabama in Tuscaloosa. He was born Jan. 4, 1963, in Hale County, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Smith.
Earl received his education in the Hale County School System and was a proud graduate of Hale County High School, Class of 1981. He furthered his education at C.A. Fredd Technical College, where he earned a certification as a welder.
Throughout his career, he was employed by R.C. Zeigler, Highway 69 Army Barn, and Moundville Metal Works, where he worked faithfully until his health began to decline.
Earl was a devoted fan of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide, but if there was one thing he loved talking about even more than football, it was welding. He took great pride in his craft and always believed he was among the very best, a confidence backed by the quality of his work and the respect he earned from those who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Mary Carol Fountain, and three nephews, Michael Ball Jr., Christopher Fountain, and David Weatherspoon.
He leaves to cherish his memory five loving sisters, Geraldine Marcus, Barbara (Shelton) Rich, Willie Mae (Tim) Buckhanna, Daisy (Michael Sr.) Ball, and Carolyn (David Sr.) Weatherspoon, all of Moundville; a brother-in-law, James Henry Fountain Sr. of Tuscaloosa; three aunts, Brenda (Henry) Lewis, Julia (Cal) Brame, and Doris Crawford of Tuscaloosa; three stepchildren, KeAundra Hutton, Shaunda Sparks, and Cierra Chandler, all of Tuscaloosa; and two men he loved as brothers, Martin Russell of Tuscaloosa, his lifelong friend, and Willie Charles Spence Sr. of Moundville.
He also leaves behind a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends.
A celebration of life was held Saturday, July 18, at 11 a.m. at First Missionary Baptist Church, Moundville, with Pastor Albert Ike officiating.
