Obituary of Julian Douglas Smith, Sr.

Julian Douglas “Doug” Smith Sr. age 83, of Wytheville, passed away Thursday August 31, 2023. He was born July 24, 1940, to the late Jake & Mary Bell Hoback Smith, & was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years Betty Coe Smith; brothers, Anthony Smith, JB Smith, Stanley Smith. Doug grew up in Wytheville where he learned the trade of upholstery at the age of 14 to help his mom take care of the family. At the young age of 20 he moved to Baltimore where he landed a job at General Motors and met his wife. He retired after 30 years, and he moved back to his hometown of Wythe Co. Doug decided to start an upholstery shop. He reupholstered many golf cart seats, furniture, & convertible vehicles. Doug loved to hunt, fish, play the guitar, singing bluegrass, country, & gospel music. He traveled many, many miles to jam sessions, reunions, churches, cookouts, & birthday parties. He never traveled alone. His guitar was always with him. He is survived by his daughters & sons-in-law; Michelle & Keith Hull, Louise & Terry Nuckols, Regina & Phil Arnold; son, Doug Smith Jr.; grandchildren, Khorey Hull, Kyle Nuckols, Connor Nuckols; sister, Gennette Rogers and husband Danny; his girlfriend, Sylvia Ramsey, and many special nieces & nephews also survive. The family would like to give thanks to Medi Care Hospice nurses & staff for their excellent care. Funeral service will be held 1 P.M. Sunday September 3, 2023, at Grubb Funeral Home Chapel, conducted by the Reverend Tim Day, with interment to follow at West End Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 11 A.M. until service time. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.