Jennis Lyle Smith, 94, passed away peacefully at Madison Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020. Jennis “Smitty” had currently lived in Morgantown for over 80 years. He was born on Dec. 28, 1925, the son of the late Russell Columbus and Margaret Louise (Summerfield) Smith, in Pliny, and then moved to Huntington before settling in Morgantown.
He is survived by three of his sisters: Celestine Herko, Betty Gainer and Marianne Shoup.
His children are: Suzanne McClain (daughter) and husband Gary Rucker and Jill Johnston (daughter) and husband Dan Johnston. His grandchildren and great grandchildren are: Ryan McClain (grandson) and wife Paula McClain and Briar McClain (great-granddaughter), Haley Johnston Guillermo (granddaughter) and husband Rob Guillermo and Patrick Johnston (grandson).
In addition to his parents, Jennis was preceded in death by: Vernon Smith (brother), Eva Pearl Smith Neader (sister), June Neely (sister), Ester Smith (sister), Eileen Fasching Smith, wife of 51 years, and Margaret Harner Smith, wife of 10 and a half years.
Jennis attended St. Theresa’s Catholic Church and St. Luke’s Catholic Church. Jennis was a graduate of University High School. He then enlisted in the United States Army in March of 1944. After basic training at Camp Adair, Ore., and Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., he joined as private 1st class in the Trailblazers 70th Infantry Division, 126th Infantry Regiment, Company I. He honorably served in Task Force Herren (Battle of the Bulge), Operation Northwind, in the Rhineland Campaign and the Ardennes Alsace Campaigns. He served as scout, sharpshooter and bodyguard throughout the various campaigns. He was wounded Feb. 19, 1945, outside of Forbach, France, while helping to recover and secure the high point of Schlossburg castle from the Germans. He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.
After his discharge from the Army, Jennis completed two years of specialty training at Morgantown High School as a machinist/tool and dye maker. He then worked at Sterling Faucet Co. for over 20 years until his retirement in 1987.
Jennis married Anna Eileen Fasching from Morgantown in 1949. They had two daughters and three grandchildren. They were married for 51 years until her death in October 2000. He then married his second wife, Margaret Harner and they were married for 10 and a half years until her death in April 2012.
He was a very jovial person who loved nature walks, travel, family, good food and making others laugh. He was a loyal and loving husband, father and grandfather. He shared his love of animals and the outdoors with his daughters. He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He was a great storyteller and always had wonderful stories to share with loved ones. He was extremely generous throughout his life and never hesitated to help someone in need with either his time or whatever resources he had.
He was dearly beloved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed.
Due to COVID restrictions, there was an immediate family graveside service only on Wednesday, Dec. 30. A future memorial service may be held next summer, if restrictions permit.
In lieu of flowers, family asked that anyone wanting to can make a donation to www.woundedwarriorproject.org
Condolences:
www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
