Hurley Eugene Smith

Hurley “Poodle” Eugene Smith, 88, of Hopewell, VA passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2020. Born in Hopewell, VA he was the son of the late Joseph Hurley and Edna Elizabeth Taylor Smith; and was also preceded in death by a son, Carl Wayne Newsome; his daughter-in-law, Rhonda Newsome; a brother, Joseph “JD” Smith; and Bobby Taylor who was like a brother. Mr. Smith was a United States Navy combat veteran having served during the Korean War. While in the Navy he landed in Inchon Bay and had served on the U.S.S. Repose. He had worked as a Business Agent for the Millwright Local 1402, and had also served as the President of Virginia Builders Trade. Poodle was a member of AFLCIO, the Hopewell Moose Lodge and had served as the Past Post Commander of the Hopewell VFW Post 637. He enjoyed playing poker, horse races, spoiling his grandchildren and had raced stock cars earlier in life. Mr. Smith is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Lucille M. Smith; four children, Jerry Newsome, Tamara Ponton and husband, Don, Lana Shelley and husband, Donny and Julie Sizemore and husband, Ricky; seven grandchildren, Day Johnson, Jenna Grubbs and husband, Robert, Ricky “D” Sizemore and wife, Chelsea; Brandon Shelley and wife, Liz, Randy Sizemore and wife, Casey, Hannah Newsome and Laura Shelley; seven great-grandchildren, Macie Grubbs, Kosta Shelley, Brayden, Bennett and Brielle Sizemore, Ruby Johnson and Emma Newsome; two brothers, Thomas “TR” Smith and Joseph “Sammie” Smith; and numerous nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2020 at Sunset Memorial Park, Chester, VA with his nephew, Tommy Smith, officiating. The family is being served by the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Hopewell VFW Post 637 in memory of Hurley “Poodle” Smith.