Russell R. Smith

Russell R. Smith, 88, of Annville, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Thursday, November 17, 2016 in Countryside Christian Community.  He was born Monday, October 1, 1928 in Lebanon County to the late William H. and Ruth E.  (Snoke) Smith.  He is survived by his loving wife Christine F. (Unger) Smith. 

Russell was employed at the former Millard Quarries as a heavy equipment operator and at Bethlehem Mines Corp. as a locomotive engineer.  He retired after 42 ½ years of service.  He was Scoutmaster of Troop #48 Gravel Hill UMC for 25 years.  He taught various courses in scouting at Camp Bashore.  He was the recipient of the Silver Beaver Award, which is Scouting’s highest award.  He also served as Youth Advisor for 20 years.  Russell was a faithful member of Gravel Hill United Methodist Church.  He enjoyed camping with his family and his hobbies included tooling leather crafts, which he was highly skilled, and running his HO trains. 

He is survived by a daughter, Carol A. Martin and husband John; a son, Kenneth D. Smith and wife Denise; 6 grandchildren, Amy, Lisa, Heather, Daniel, Joshua, and Andrea; 4 great-grandchildren, Elijah, Sadie, Samuel, and Matthew; and 2 siblings, Catherine R. Horst and Karl R. Smith and wife Deanna.  He was predeceased by 3 siblings, Floyd R., Warren R., and Eva R. Smith. 

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, November 22nd at 11 AM at Gravel Hill United Methodist Church, 131 Gravel Hill Rd., Palmyra 17078 with Rev. Douglas Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Gravel Hill Cemetery, Palmyra.  Family and friends are invited for viewing from 10 AM until time of the service.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 25 W. Pine St., Palmyra 17078. 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in his honor Countryside Christian Community, 200 Bellann Ct., Annville 17003, Gravel Hill United Methodist Church, or Hospice for all Seasons Foundation, 280 South Hill Dr., Grantville 17028. 

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