Ernest L. "Duke" Smith

Friday, September 28, 2007

Ernest L. "Duke" Smith, 78, Coatesville, died Thursday.

Born in Carabelle, Fla., he was a graduate of Bay High School and was a member of the 1948 Florida High School state championship football team and was selected All-State Tackle. He was a 1954 graduate of Florida State University and retired from Amoco Oil in 1987 after 29 years of service.

He and wife Gloria moved to Heritage Lake in 1988 and became active in several lake-affiliation associations. He was active in the property owners association and served as a board member and past president, as well as president of the Floyd Township Fire District.

He was active in St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Greencastle and served in the church vestry. He was a member of Hickory Hills Golf Course.

Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Gloria G. Smith; sons Dr. Mark Smith and wife Deborah, Greencastle, and Michael Smith and wife Susan, Brownsburg; daughter Marsha Croner and husband Daniel, North Manchester; brother Johnny Smith and wife Elizabeth, Atlanta, Ga.; six grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Green­castle, with Rev. William Wieland officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery.

Visitation is 3-6 p.m. Sunday at Bittles and Hurt Funeral Home, Greencastle.

Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at inbth@keystonegroup.com.