Bertie Smith Obituary

Bertie Johnston Smith, Sr. HANAHAN - Bertie Johnston (BJ) Smith, Sr., of Hanahan, SC, passed peacefully into eternity while surrounded by his family on Tuesday, February 14, 2023. He was born in Hampton County, SC, to Homer Hogarth Smith and Hattie Viola Smith on October 21, 1928. He grew up on a farm during the Depression, where he learned the value of hard work and determination in a family of six children --- Charlie, Earl, Mildred, Betty, Homer, and Bertie. After graduation from Varnville High School, he moved to Charleston to work for Westvaco. Soon after that, he married his loving wife, Sarah, who was truly his greatest earthly reward and who he told many times in his last days that she was the best wife a man could ever have. They shared 75 years of marriage together, building an apartment/home rental business business that helped send their five children to college, a goal that was important to Bertie, since it has been an opportunity unavailable to him. He strongly emphasized the importance of education to all of his children early in their lives. In 1951, they built their home in Hanahan. Shortly after that he entered the Air Force, serving his country proudly for four years and meeting life-long friends across the country. Bertie was an avid gardener who at one time had 80 varieties of camellias that he shared, along with beautiful azaleas to grace the yards of friends. He loved wood-working, a skill and love he passed on to his grandsons. After retirement from Westvaco, he and Sarah travelled across the country with their Good Sam RV club friends and enjoyed camping for many years. Bertie was a life-long Baptist, serving as Chairman of Deacons and Chairman of capital campaigns. He spear-headed the building of an educational wing at Friendship Baptist, and he highly valued his church families at both Friendship Baptist and Highland Park Baptist. He helped friends and strangers alike, often helping pay for education, weddings, funerals, home repairs, and medical bills where there was need. He was devoted to his family and was proud of his children and grandchildren. His children have fond memories of his presence at their ballgames, track meets, and other activities, including driving his oldest daughter to weekly piano lessons for many years. His interest continued into their adult lives, always enjoying their ventures and encouraging them to be the best that they could be. He is survived by his loving wife, Sarah; his son, Bertie J. (Jay) Smith, Jr. (Betsy); daughters, Merrie Fisher (Mike), Christie Breves (Paul), and Jackie Pitts (Bill); and his son-in-law, Scott Brewer. He is survived by grandchildren: Ryan Fisher (Melissa), Alex Smith, Sarah Breves (Nate), Dallas Pitts, Allison Breves, Lacy Howell (Trey), Maggie Welch (Matt), Abigail Wood (Daniel), Caroline Breves, Grant Smith, and "adopted" granddaughter, Daniell Smith (Greg). Great-Grandchildren are Nalla Fisher, Sadie Fisher, Lucas Welch, Cade Howell, Roman Welch, Wells Wood, Loughlin Howell, Asher Welch, and Lawson Wood. Survivors also include many dear nieces and nephews, his best Friend, Jim Gregg, and Caregiver, Anne Livingston. Bertie was predeceased by his parents, his daughter, Julie Smith Brewer, and his siblings. Many thanks go to his Highland Park Church family for their love and support in recent months and to neighbors who have given time and talents to help in recent years. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 17, in the Highland Park Baptist Church Sanctuary from 5:30 - 7:30 P.M. The funeral service will be on Saturday, February 18, at Highland Park Baptist Church at 11:00 A.M. Burial will be at 3:30 PM on Saturday, February 18, in Bowers Cemetery in Brunson, SC. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home of Hampton, SC. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston