Hugh Frank Smith

Mr. Hugh Frank Smith, 79, a resident of Brantley, Alabama, passed away unexpectedly at Jackson Hospital on Thursday, December 22, 2022. Funeral services for Hugh will be held at 2 PM on Monday, December 26th, at Spring Hill South Baptist Church with Pastor Eugene Meadows officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Turners Funeral Home of Luverne directing. The family will receive friends at the church for one hour prior to the service.

Hugh's great loves were his God, his family, and his country, in that order. He loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, with all of his heart and soul. His family came in slightly second to that love, though they never felt anything less than the full power of his love. Hugh was proud to serve as a deacon at Spring Hill for many years, as well as singing in the choir and often leading the congregational singing. He epitomized the selflessness and generosity that all Christians are supposed to embrace when dealing with the world. He was always there to lend a helping hand and take care of others. Hugh truly believed in putting all others first and leaving himself for the last. He was an inspiration to all those who knew him.

Hugh was never happier than with the quiet moments spent with his family and loved ones, especially in his home. He took great pride in his vegetable garden as he and his wife worked as a team to pick them and can them for the future. He also cherished his fruit trees, from lemons to various kinds of oranges. Hugh was well-known for his skills in the kitchen as well. Not only was he a wiz on the BBQ, but he also excelled in cooking a variety of dishes and baking all different kinds of delicious desserts. A beloved favorite amongst his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was his scrumptious sour cream pound cake, and they were always on the lookout for a reason for him to bake one! Hugh was also a great lover of animals, but especially his three special inside cats, and nothing says you're special like winning the affections of a cat! Above all, he was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who always made every member of his family feel loved and seen. Whether it was taking the little ones for rides around the house or singing them to sleep, he made every moment together special. He will certainly be sorely missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Hugh was preceded in death by his wife, Judi Marie Vaughn Smith; their daughter, Cristi Smith; two infant great-grandchildren; parents, Hamp & Edna Vae Compton Smith; and siblings, Lou Ann Beach & George Robert Smith.

He is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Ruth Powell Smith; children, Rickey (Joy) Harrelson, Judy (Chris) Powell, Christopher (Christina) Smith, and Billy (Teresa) Smith; grandchildren, Kim Harrelson, Jessica (James) Tidwell, Conner Smith, Emily Smith, Brittni Dawson, Amber Powell, Brooke Dawson, Brandon Powell, Ryan Day, Hali (Raymond) Brown, Patrick Harrelson, Jackson Smith, and Max Smith; twenty-one great-grandchildren; siblings, Gerald Kenith Smith and Betty Lynn Kaufman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Active pallbearers will be Stetson Sasser, Stallion Sasser, Michael Wilkerson, Karl Eiland, Donnie Bodiford, Dan Jones, Trent Warrick, and Ronnie Ross.