Mr. Emanuel David Smith “E.D.” was born Sept. 8, 1926, in Nansemond County, to the late George and Arleathia Smith. He departed his life on Monday, Feb. 8, 2016, at Riverside Regional Hospital at the age of 89.

He was preceded in death by his sons: Leon Jones Sr. and David Alexander Smith; siblings: Coreatha Smith, Elizabeth Smith, Nannie Smith, Nellie Thomas, Mary Townsell, Arthur Smith, George Smith, John Smith, Stanley Smith and William Smith.

He was united in holy matrimony to Mrs. Levora Smith, of Suffolk. To this union, six children were born.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Mrs. Levora Smith; daughters, Joyce Carney (Ben), Ann Robinson (Richard), of Newport News, Eartheree Williams, of Suffolk, Tammie Barnes (Milton), of Chesapeake, Lee Cherry Vincent, of Jacksonville, Fla.; and a mass of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews whom he loved and adored. Mr. Smith had several devoted friends, Cornelius Wiggins, Alphonso Cargill and David. He also had a devoted caregiver, Paulette Spivey.

At an early age, he joined Little Bethel Baptist Church in Chuckatuck, where he remained a faithful member for more than 60 years until his health declined. He served loyally as a member of the Usher Board for more than 50 years and on various committees. Mr. Smith was the oldest male member of Little Bethel Baptist Church.

He served several years in the U.S. Army, where he received the Korean Service Medal with Bronze service star, United Nations Service Medal, ROK Unit Citation National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He retired from Newport News Shipyard as a rigger.

His hobbies included fishing, hunting and watching Western movies.

The family will receive friends Feb. 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Harris Funeral Home, 685 Carolina Road, Suffolk. Funeral services will be celebrated at noon Friday, Feb. 12, at Little Bethel Baptist Church, 6533 Everets Road, Suffolk.