Eldrid Sanford Smith

Eldrid Sanford Smith Sr, 73, passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, after a long illness that he fought courageously and valiantly for a number of years. Funeral services for Eldrid will be held at 2 PM on Friday, February 3rd, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church with Brother Mark Perry officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery with Turners Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends at the church for one hour prior to the service.

Eldrid was born in Brundidge, Alabama on March 21,1949. At an early age his family moved to Brantley, Alabama, where he lived his entire life in his beloved "hometown." He was a talented athlete in football and baseball in his younger days, and he was an avid hunter and fisherman during his many years of good health. About the only time you would see him indoors was when the Crimson Tide was on TV. He had a 35-year working career with various aircraft contractors at Ft. Rucker, Alabama, where he served as Production Control Supervisor.

A loving Christian, and a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, he loved to listen to music, especially country and gospel. Most of all he loved his family.

He was preceded in death by wife, Arlene Walker Smith; parents, Willie B. Smith, Sr., Martha W. Smith; and sister, Vicki S. Furr.

He is survived by his loving and caring wife of 25 years, Nancy Layton Smith; children, Kimberly (Bill) Hall and Eldrid (Brandy) S. Smith Jr; step-children, Natalie (Troy) Bradley and Jonathan (Morgan) Helms; grandchildren, Dawson Hall, Nellie Ann Smith, Elijah Paul Smith; step-grandchildren, Leighla Kirchharr, Raley Bradley, Lillie Bradley, John Layton Helms, Lolabeth Helms, and Lottie Helms; siblings, Willie (June) B. Smith Jr, Thomas (Brenda) S. Smith Sr, and Paul (Lori) B. Smith; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Active pallbearers will be Troy Bradley, Austin Brook, Van Carroll, John Meriwether, Kellen Smith, and Steve Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Johnson, Ricky Compton, Dennis Moseley, and Donnie Bodiford.

The family would like to express their utmost appreciation to Southern Care Hospice of Greenville, Alabama and their kindhearted employees for the excellent care provided. The family is also grateful to Sueanne Rayburn, Clarissa Wood, and Kim Stroud for their special care during these uncertain times.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Mt. Zion Cemetery Fund, ℅ Brenda Davis, 4374 South Glenwood Road, Brantley, Alabama 36009.