Decatur - George Franklin "Skip" Smith, IV, 43, of Decatur passed away on Sunday, May 30, 2010 in his residence.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 4, 2010 at Dawson & Wikoff Funeral Home, Mt. Zion. Visitation will be from 12:00 Noon til service time at the funeral home. Burial will be in Mt. Gilead Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the George F. Smith, IV Memorial Fund c/o Busey Bank. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com.
Skip was born January 29, 1967 in Decatur, IL the son of George F. "Frank" Smith, III and Judith (White) Smith. He was a 1985 graduate of Eisenhower High School where he had participated in football, choir, band, and was a member of the National Honor Society. Skip was an active musician having played both the trumpet and keyboard. His love of music also included singing and songwriting. He was involved in the youth group and music at Woodland Presbyterian Church. He attended the University of Illinois and went on to graduate from the Wisconsin School of Electronics. He resided in Madison, WI and then went on to live in Ridgecrest, CA. He was passionate about fishing, skiing, traveling, and was a great outdoorsman. He was gifted with children and was a wonderful uncle.
Surviving are his parents Frank and Judy Smith, of Decatur and his two sisters: Suzy Smith of Mt. Zion and her children: Ben, Jennifer, Grace, and Anna; and his sister, Sheri (Smith) Ferry and her husband Tim, of Chesterfield, MO and their children: John, Ellen, Sam, Max, and Jack; special cousins: Bill and his wife Margaret, Dave, Lauren, and Pat.
He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents.
Skip was a passionate musician and artist and will be sadly missed by his family and many friends.
Slideshow
Jüngste Beileidsbezeugungen
| Mara Estero |
My Condolences for the Family |
May 14, 2011 |
WHEN A LOVED ONE DIES
Have you lost a loved one in death? The pain, the grief, and the feelings of helplessness can seem unbearable. At such times, we need to go to God’s Word for comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4) The Bible helps us to understand how Jehovah and Jesus feel about death. Jesus, who perfectly reflected his Father, knew the pain of losing someone in death. (John 14:9) When he was in Jerusalem, Jesus used to visit Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, who lived in the nearby town of Bethany. They became close friends. The Bible says: “Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” (John 11:5) Though, Lazarus died. How did Jesus feel about losing his friend? The account tells us that Jesus joined Lazarus’ relatives and friends as they grieved over this loss. Seeing them, Jesus was deeply moved. He “groaned in the spirit and became troubled.” Then, the account says, “Jesus gave way to tears.” (John 11:33, 35) Did Jesus’ grief mean that he had no hope? Not at all. In fact, Jesus knew that something wonderful was about to happen. (John 11:3, 4) Still, he felt the pain and sorrow that death brings. In a way, Jesus’ grief is encouraging to us. It teaches us that Jesus and his Father, Jehovah, hate death. But Jehovah God is able to fight and overcome that enemy! Let us see what God enabled Jesus to do.
For more reference about this wonderful hope you can visit www.watchtower.org
| Michele Wells Sippola |
A first love.... |
June 7, 2010 |
Dear Smith Family,
I’m so saddened to hear of your loss. Skip touched the lives of so many people – teaching each of us to smile bigger, laugh louder, and enjoy ALL music. He helped open our eyes to a world outside our comfort zone and taught us to love more than we thought we could. It’s been a number of years since I last saw Skip, but his smile is so bright in my memory. Despite the years that have passed, the good times we shared together are some of my favorites!!!
Today and always - may Skip’s peace and serenity bring you comfort.
Michele Wells Sippola – forever a friend in Madison
| Kate DeBruine Shaub |
friend of Sheri's |
June 6, 2010 |
Smith family, The entire DeBruine family sends heartfelt condolences to you. After losing our younger brother this year we know exactly the emptiness, loss and sorrow you must be feeling. Our hope is that you rely on your faith, family and friends to help you through.
| Laurie Younger Vasta |
Skippy |
June 6, 2010 |
To the Family of Skippy,
I loved looking at all the pictures. I remember Skippy as just a little guy when I used to come over and swim with Suzy and go out in the boat. I pray for your comfort at this time of loss. My heart goes out to you all.
| Milt Scott |
A student remembered |
June 4, 2010 |
Skip was so fun loving in the EHA choirs..always a bit mischievious, eternally MUSICAL!..He was a vital part of everything. I ask God to bless the family..parents and sisters, and know we all cared for Skip.
He is resting and rejoicing...and healed..Milt Scott
