Alexander Forrest “Sonny” Smith, Jr., 78, husband of Deanna Lee “Denne” (Mays) Smith of Staunton, died on Monday, May 22, 2023 at his residence.
He was born March 20, 1945 in Staunton, son of Irva Elizabeth (Bussard) and the late Alexander Forrest Smith, Sr.
Sonny was a veteran of the U. S. Navy.
Prior to retiring, he was Manager of the extrusion and weaving divisions for Polytex Fibers Corp. in Houston, Texas from 1983 until 2011.
Sonny was a classic car enthusiast and a member of the NHRA. He was a member of St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church, Houston, Texas.
In addition to his wife and mother, family includes three sons and daughters-in-law, Eric and Abbie Smith, Shaun Smith and Jen Little, and Travis and Karla Smith; seven grandchildren, Sadie, Jack, Sage, Maisie, Luca, Natalie, and Lily; and two nephews, Brandon and Travis Cash.
He was preceded in death by his father; his sister, Dorothy “Dot” Marie Cash; and his brother, Ronald “Butch” Carson Smith.
A funeral service will be conducted at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 27, 2023 in the Henry Funeral Home Chapel.
Honorary pallbearers will be members of the NHRA Community.
Entombment will follow in Augusta Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Henry Funeral Home.
The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah for their loving care of Sonny.
Memorial donations may be made to the Staunton Augusta Rescue Squad, 1601 North Coalter Street, Staunton, VA 24401.