Paul J. Smith

January 4, 1931 - May 18, 2017

01/04/1931 - 05/18/2017

Past Services

Visitation
Tuesday May 23, 2017
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Altmeyer Funeral Home - Elm Grove Chapel
154 Kruger Street
Wheeling, WV 26003
304-242-0330 | Directions
Visitation
Tuesday May 23, 2017
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Altmeyer Funeral Home - Elm Grove Chapel
154 Kruger Street
Wheeling, WV 26003
304-242-0330 | Directions
Cemetery
Wednesday May 24, 2017
Mt. Calvary Cemetery-Wheeling
1685 National Road
Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 242-0460 | Directions
Service
Wednesday May 24, 2017
12:00 pm
St, Michael Catholic Church
National Road
Wheeling, WV 43906
740-676-0051 | Directions

Rev. Mr. Paul J. Smith, 86, of Wheeling, WV left this life to join the Blessed Trinity and his beloved and devoted wife and soul mate of 54 years, Amelia, for an eternal life of joy and peace on May 18, 2017.
He was born January 4, 1931 in Reynolds Memorial Hospital, Glen Dale, WV. The son of the late Vernon L. and Mae (Blake) Smith.
Paul graduated Wheeling Central Catholic High School in 1948 where he was a supporter and a member of the “Knights of the Round Table”, devoted fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates,
He joined the United States Navy in January 1951 during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in December of 1954, where he served as the Chaplain of the ship’s Reunion Group.
Paul was an employee of Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel at the Benwood WV and Yorkville, OH plants for a total of 43 years.
He spent 4 years in formation to the Diaconate which was conducted at St. Joseph Diocasan Seminary in Vienna, WV and Paul VI Pastoral Center in Clearview, Wheeling, WV. He was ordained as a minister (Order of Permanent Deacon) in the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston by Bishop Joseph H. Hodges on June 12, 1983. He served as a parish Deacon at St. James in McMechen under Rev. Rodger F. Hughes for 17 years and 8 years at St. Michaels in Wheeling with Rev. James M. Sobus.
The main focus of his ministry shifted to the loving care and support of the sick, the berieved and the dying, it was greatly enhanced when his wife, Amelia joined in with him in the ministry. They became a great team in the service of the people of God.
In addition to his parents and beloved wife he was preceded in death by four sisters, Dorothy Patrick, Mildred Buzzard, Elizabeth Varlas and Blanche Pearl; three brothers, W. Vernon, Wallace H. and Donald T. Smith and two grandchildren, Nathan Smith and Abilene Marie Kimmins.
Paul is survived by his five sons, Paul J. (Debbie) Smith Jr,of Wheeling, Eric (Rhonda) Smith of Colorado Springs, CO, Neil (Tammy) of Fredericksburg, VA, Kirk (Janet) Smith of Benwood, WV and Ryan (Propasorn) of San Antonio, TX; daughter, Zina Marie (Tim) Kimmins of Dallas, WV; 19 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 1-3pm and 6-9pm Tuesday May 23, 2017 at Altmeyer Funeral Home,Elm Grove Chapel, 154 Kruger Street where a vigil will be held at 7:30 pm on Tuesday.
Funeral Liturgy with mass will be Wednesday May 24, 2017 noon at St. Michael’s Catholic Church and will be  concelebrated by Rev. Monsignor Jeremiah F. McSweeney and assisting Deacons, Rev. Mr. Joseph Prentiss and Rev. Mr. Douglas Breiding.
Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Wheeling, where military honors will be conducted by the Moundsville Honor Guard.
A special thanks to the staff of Bishop Hodges Continuous Care Center for the loving care provided to Paul.
On-line condolences may be offered to the family at www.altmeyerfuneralhomes.com

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Jerry Cunningham
6 years ago

I am saddened to hear of your loss and yet happy for all of the wonderful memories that you all have because of your wonderful parents the lives they lived. It was really a joy to have known your folks. God bless you and be with you all,now and always. You are blessed to have had them as your mom and dad.

Cindy Paras
6 years ago

Dear Smith Family, I knew your father first when he served as Deacon at St. Michael’s and again when my parents moved into the Welty Apartments. He was a good friend to my dad until he passed away in December. They loved to swap Navy stories and I’m sure they are again. My deepest condolences.

Mike Davis
6 years ago

East 8th St. in McMechen was a nice place to grow up. I remember a happy, smiling couple who raised a wonderful family. My thoughts and prayers are with the Smith family. Paul and Amelia were two fine people who served well on this earth and now Paul has joined her again in a new life with their Lord. Lives well lived.

Kent Semple
6 years ago

Paul I am sorry to hear of your fathers passing. May God comfort you during this time.

Deacon & Mrs. Dennis Nesser
6 years ago

Prayers of praise and thanksgiving for Paul, his life and his family. We regret that we will not be in West Virginia for his funeral. Grace and Peace to all who knew and loved him.

Christina Salvadori -Bator
6 years ago

Dear Zina and all my Cousins ,
I just wanted you all to know I am thinking about you. I am so sorry to hear Uncle Paul has passed . He always missed your Mom and now they can be together forever ! Taking care of those grandbabies ! Our thoughts and prayers are with you . I am sorry I won’t be able to make it back . We Love and Miss everybody !
Your Cuz ,
Christina ,Kevin ,Jon , Jeremiah ,Nate , Brenden ,Justin ,Jill ,Jack and Jadyn

Cheryl Krupica McCombs
6 years ago

Sorry for your loss. Remember all the good times you had. Offering up prayers.

Jewel "jewelba"
6 years ago

So sorry to see the passing of “dad” but now he is up in heaven dancing and laughing together again with mom. I was so happy and proud to get to call them that and to be part of the family and all the fun times we all had together and to call Zina my best friend. I’ve missed u much. And all the boys. Wish I could participate in the service but will be out of town. Would have loved to see u all again but always in my thoughts and prayers. And I’m always here for u Zina, just a phone call away. Would love ❤️ to see u and chat.

Cheryl J Skinner, WV Patriot Guard
6 years ago

May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time,
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,

May your memories of Paul J. Smith, give you peace, comfort and strength…

Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten..
My thoughts
and prayers to the family of ….

US Navy Veteran, Paul J. Smith, is “A True American Hero” God Bless†

† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †

Dennis R Albaugh
6 years ago

My sincere and deepest condolences to the family and friends of Rev. Paul. Denny Albaugh