Carl R. "Pops" Smith

Carl Richard “Pops” Smith, 82, of Zanesville, Ohio, passed peacefully at home on Thursday, October 3, 2024, with his family by his side. He was born in Fairplain, WV to Carl C. and Mary “Olive” Southall Smith on November 15, 1941.

Carl was a graduate of Bartlett High School and proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He also spent most of his life as a truck driver and retired from Autozone Distribution Center.

Carl always said “no one would cheat him out of fun”. He was known for his wonderful sense of humor. Carl enjoyed camping in the woods, golf, bowling, corn hole and any card or board games. Mostly he enjoyed time spent with family and friends.

Carl is survived by his wife of 17 years, Mary Paxton Smith; his children, Kevin Smith (Pam) and Ronda Smith; step children, Steven Ferguson and Tonya Scheffler (Justin); siblings, Roberta Hollingsworth (Greg), Glendola King, Robert “Bob” Smith, Wreatha Clester (Roger), Joyce Gage (Danny), Elaine Roberts (Rex) and Donna Richards (Rusty); six grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, four step grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and cousins; special friends, Dave and Teri Klase, Mike and Sandie Janes, Craig and Janice Sigler, Evelyn and Brandon McKown and Scott and Molly Gussler; and brother in law, Stanley Ullman.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents; baby sister, Mary Grace; sister, Rowena Ullman; brother, Ronald “Ronnie” Smith; and two children, Melissa and Sonya Smith.

His family would like to extend their thanks to the Shriver’s Hospice team for their unmatched level of care, love and compassion during this last year. Special thanks to Destiny, Pam, Stephanie and Jason.

Visitation will be held at the BARLOW CHAPEL OF CAWLEY & PEOPLES FUNERAL HOME on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, from noon to 2 p.m. with services immediately following the visitation, with Pastor Jason Boggs officiating. Burial with full military honors will be held at Bartlett Cemetery following the services on Tuesday.

Though Carl may no longer be with us in person, his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Cawley & Peoples is honored to serve Carl’s family and offers online condolences as well as many other resources by visiting their website, www.CawleyandPeoples.com or by following their Facebook page.