On May 25, 2023 the world lost a true Southern gentleman as Alvin Nicholas Smith, Jr. crossed the finish line of the biggest race in his life. His friends when talking about Al, have said, "He's such a good man" and "You're a good man Charlie Brown." One of a kind, Al was kind, patient, thoughtful and easy going but with a fierce will to live. Al was a true and faithful servant of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Al, known as Sonny by his siblings, grew up in Fluvanna County, Virginia, the oldest of seven children of the late Alvin N. Smith, Sr. and Marjorie O'Brien Smith. Al met Jeannie, the love of his life, the summer of 1959 when he was a counselor at a Boy Scout Camp near Staunton, Virginia. Al was smitten and they continued a long-distance loving relationship until they married in September of 1962.

Sports have always been an important part of Al's full life. In high school he played baseball, basketball and football. At UVA he ran cross country and was Captain of the team. At the University of Richmond Al ran track and cross country. As a teacher at Altavista High School, Al coached football and track. As an adult Al played softball and rugby and was founder of the senior softball league of Altavista. His love of UVA football was so strong that Al continued to buy season tickets even as his health was failing. Even in a wheelchair he was able to take his two grandsons to the first game of the 2022 season.

Al graduated from the University of Richmond with a Bachelor of Science degree in
mathematics with a minor in Physics and later earned his Master's degree in math from Randolph College.

Al taught math, physics and computer programming at Altavista High School as well as at Central Virginia Community College. It was at Altavista High School that Al bonded with many of his students and athletes whom he coached, and they have remained friends to this day.

Al and Jeannie purchased a farm in Hurt where they built their home in 1991 naming the property Aftermath Farm. Over the years there, Al and Jeannie raised many chickens and calves. They enjoyed hosting family Thanksgiving dinners there and Al began a tradition of taking the extended family on a hayride as everyone digested the wonderful food they'd consumed.

Jeannie and Al loved traveling. They took their two sons, Paul and Mike, to Europe when the boys were in high school. To celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary, they cruised the Hawaiian Islands with Harold and Dodie Drumheller and on their 50th anniversary, they took a Mediterranean cruise.

Among his family, Al was well known for his scrumptious country breakfasts where he enjoyed frying eggs any way you wanted them and making his delicious cheese eggs with a side of country ham and biscuits.

A man of many interests, Al volunteered with DAWN in addition to being on their Board of Directors. He served as a docent at AVOCA as well as being on their Board. Al has been an active member of Altavista Presbyterian Church where he taught Sunday school and served as an Elder. Al served as past president of Altavista Rotary Club. In his spare time, Al was an avid reader particularly enjoying the topic of history. Traveling with his wife Jeannie, hunting and gardening were other activities Al loved. Al was honored as Teacher of the Year at Altavista High School and also as the AA State Track Coach of the Year. In February of 2023 Al was inducted into the Altavista High School Sports Hall of Fame.

Al is survived by the love of his life, Jeannie. His son Paul (Angela) was so good about going to his parents' house and preparing breakfasts for his Dad. His son Mike (Jackie), a talented handyman, was always ready to help his parents with many projects around the farm.

Al, known as Poppa to his grandchildren, leaves behind Shanna, Kaitlin, Daniel, Nik and Joey. He is also survived by his sisters Joanne Snead (Charlie), Janet Woods (Tom), Kay Sclater (Dan) and Susan Hundley and his brother Steve (Kathy). Al was predeceased in death by his parents and his sister Doris Parrish ( Steve ).

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers or food, a memorial donation may be made in honor of Al Smith to Altavista Presbyterian Church: 707 Broad St, Altavista, VA 24517

A celebration of Al's life will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 24, 2023 at Altavista Presbyterian Church by Rev. Ed Soto and Rev. Al Irving.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 1 to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 24, 2023 at Altavista Presbyterian Church.

Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna is assisting the family.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbertmoran.com.