Wilbur Dwight Smith, 93, of Hastings, passed away Thursday, April 23, 2015 at Community Hospice Bailey Center in St. Augustine following an extended illness. A native of St. Paul, Minnesota, he was a lifelong resident of St. Johns County. Wilbur served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was a 1947 graduate of the University of Florida where he received his BA degree in Agriculture Economics. He was a lifelong potato farmer. Wilbur was a member of the Putnam County / St. Johns County Farm Bureau and the St. Johns County Soil and Water Conservation Board (an elected position) which he served on from 1957-1994. He was also on the Board of Directors and served as Vice President of the Hastings Potato Growers Association. Wilbur had been raised in the Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Jewel Holt Smith.
Wilbur is survived by a son, Wayne Smith and wife Patsy of Hastings, a daughter, Pam Chastain and husband Randy of Nolensville, TN, 5 grandchildren, Jeb Smith and wife Wendy, Jacob Smith and wife Krisha, Joel Smith and wife Lacy, Brian Chastain and wife Jessica and Kelly Chastain as well as 15 great-grandchildren.
Services will be at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at Johnson-Overturf Chapel in Palatka with Pastor Jeb Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Palatka. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services at 11:00.
Flowers are gratefully accepted or memorial donations may be sent to Community Hospice – Bailey Center, 200 Health Park Blvd., St. Augustine, FL 32086.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Wilbur’s Book of Memories page at www.JohnsonOverturffunerals.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.