Hubert LaWayne Smithee

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Hubert LaWayne Smithee, 62, of Manila, formerly of Peoria, Ill., and Dallas, Texas, died Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010, at his home. Born in Jonesboro, he was the son of the late Hubert H. and Edna Ross Smithee and was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He had worked at Caterpillar Company in Peoria, Ill., for over 20 years. Though he had lived in many places, he had often said "his heart was in Texas." He was a member of the American Legion Herman Davis Post 197 in Manila.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Hickman Smithee of the home; three sons, Christopher Smithee of Hurst, Texas, Cary Smithee of Grand Prairie, Texas, and Terry Smithee of Manila; six brothers, Michael Smithee of Lake City, Tony Smithee of Goodfield, Ill., Tommy Smithee of Peoria, Ill., Terry dale Smithee of Lunsford, Rodney Smithee of Waterloo, Ill., and Gary Smithee of Tennessee; two sisters, Sandy Sears of Harrison and Susie Smithee of Tennessee; and five grandchildren.

A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. Monday at the Cain Island Cemetery near Lake City. The family received visitors Monday morning from 9:30-10:30 at the Howard Funeral Chapel in Manila. To sign the online guest register log on to howardfuneralservice.com.