On Wednesday, April 27, 2022, the Lord called home a beloved dad, brother, uncle, friend, and faithful servant, surrounded by his family at Indiana University Hospital in Indianapolis. A private family burial will take place and a Celebration of Life Service for family, friends, and church family will be held by invitation. Floral and monetary gifts are not desired by the family. In lieu, the family requests a donation be made in Pal’s memory to his second home and church family, the Marion Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Our dad, proud of his full name – Palmer Leroy Smith, Jr. – was known fondly to many family and friends as Pal. Living up to his nickname, Pal was known for his bold ability to talk to anyone, anywhere, about anything, and was a beautiful soul who never hesitated to help others. To those closest to him, and strangers alike, Pal shared his faith with courage and grace.
A 3rd generation Seventh-day Adventist, Pal was a devoted servant since childhood, and has been a member of the Marion Seventh-day Adventist Church for 65 years. Worshiping, teaching, and faithfully serving with his church family as Head Elder, Board Member, Sabbath School Teacher, Religious Liberty Magazine Leader, and church custodian.
Pal was a lifelong resident of Gas City, graduated from Mississinewa High School, and at the age of 20 he entered the United States Air Force. Serving for four years, Pal was honorably discharged in 1966, and began working for the Seventh-day Adventist book bindery. Later in life, Pal worked in painting and maintenance services for over 20 years and worked in custodial services at Indiana Wesleyan University for 13 years until his retirement.
A family man, Pal fiercely loved and was extremely close with his parents and siblings. The eldest child and epitome of a big brother, he remained in lifelong relationships with his brother Greg, and sisters Inez and Georgia. Pal married the love of his life, Renee, and they have two children together. Pal’s son and namesake, Palmer Leroy Smith III (PJ) was known lovingly to Pal as “The PJzer,” a nickname Pal gave him as a small boy. PJ called Pal “Daddio” and moved to Gas City in 2009 to be closer to his dad and family. PJ and his daughter, Renelle, moved in with Pal in 2021 to spend more time together and support him when he became sick. Pal’s daughter, Ashley, was known lovingly to Pal as “Ashleybaby,” a nickname Pal gave her as a baby. Ashley called Pal “Daddy” and lives in Wisconsin with her family. Ashley, Robert, and Lillian traveled to Gas City, and Pal to Wisconsin, frequently over the years to spend time together. Pal’s granddaughters lovingly called him Papa Pal, and no two girls were better at bringing a smile to his face! As no surprise, Pal also gave both of his granddaughters nicknames – Nelly Bell and Lilly Bell – and they both loved laughing and spending time with their grandpa!
Pal was a bowler and enthusiast for many years, and would always say: “Spare’s the name of the game!” He liked to spend time in nature, with animals, and watching baseball . . . go Dodgers! Pal was a lover of music, with acoustic guitar and classical being his favorites. As an audiophile, he had a deep appreciation for high-quality stereo equipment (if you’re chuckling, then you knew Pal!). He truly enjoyed listening to music with friends and family when they visited. But, at the top of Pal’s list of favorite things in life, were motorcycles! For over 25 years, Pal rode and cherished his 1986 Honda Shadow, where he had his children’s names placed on the side. Pal enjoyed riding his bike anywhere he could and frequently traveled to site see and spend time with family and friends. Also an avid reader and lifelong learner, Pal was an intellectual and biblical scholar. He was always excited to share interesting things he learned! He had a wonderful sense of humor, never hesitated to tell a joke, and was known for his friendliness and warm smile.
After retirement, you would’ve found Pal reading (or perhaps napping!) and feeding nuts to the squirrels on his favorite swing at home. A longtime television and cinema buff, you’d catch him watching a Law and Order marathon, surfing YouTube, or in cool glasses watching a movie in 3D. No doubt with a bowl of ice cream in his lap or a Snickers in his hand! If he wasn’t at home or at church, you’d likely find him out and about with his sister Inez or at his sister Georgia’s house for a rousing round of family banter during game night! Play. At. Your. Own. Risk. Marbles anyone? Until we can play again . . .
Dad, you were an unbelievably important and special person to all who knew you, and we will love you forever. Will you be missed? YOU BETCHA!
Pal was survived in death by his son, Palmer Leroy Smith III; his daughter, Ashley (Robert) Skog; mother of his children, Renee Blair; granddaughters, Renelle Smith and Lillian Skog; his siblings, Greg (Judy) Smith, Inez Smith, and Georgia (Robert) Kirby; nieces, Megan (Andy) Bishop, Gretchen Smith, and Christina (Nick) Drollinger; and nephew, Doug (Stacy) Smith; and several great nieces and nephews.
Pal was preceded in death by his parents, Lois (Harter) Smith and Palmer Leroy Smith, Sr. and great nephew, Robert Leroyce Kirby II.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, Storey Chapel of Gas City and Riverside Cemetery.
Online condolences can be left at www.nswcares.com To send flowers to the family of Palmer, please visit our floral store.