Birth date: Jul 5, 1948 Death date: May 18, 2014
Ellis “Bootie” Smith is in “God’s Care” now as of Sunday, May 18, 2014 while at Virginia Beach, with his loved Vietnam brothers and sisters beside him. He was born in Fauquier County, VA on July 5, 1948 to the late Ellis Gibson an Read Obituary
Almost a year has past already, Dad. We miss you even more every single day. I just had you on my mind and thought I'd write a little note for you to know that we will never forget you. The kids talk of you daily for the most part as do I. Until we see each other again, I hope you're catching the big one, showing eveyone up there the tricks of the trade. We love and miss you Dad.
Bootie was a great friend and neighbor to my husband and I, we will miss him. He was there for us at several very tough times during our lives and I only hope that we brought joy to his life, Mike & Tricia Trenary
"Bootie" was in my family for 53 years. Our parents bought a property in Viewtown back
then and my brothers, Herman and Bobby would hunt and fish with him and tear around
the property in an old 1940"s Ford Jeep, turning it over at one point, but no one was hurt.
Herman worked with the Amisville Fire Department for several years with his best friend,
"Bootie". Those days were very special.
Both Herman and "Bootie" went in the military around 1968 and wound up in Vietnam.
Herman was killed on 5-29-69, devastating his family. "Bootie's" family did not tell him
about our loss of Herman until he returned home.
It is my understanding that "Bootie" was instrumental in having Herman' s name put on
the Culpeper Vietnam Memorial, because he said that Herman loved the Piedmont Area
and he belonged on the Memorial.
I am grateful for all of the kindness that he has shown to me and my family over the years.
I am very gratified that he was able to find peace in fishing our Pond in Madison County.
He was a rare man whom I will always remember and think of the good times.
He was so very special. Love from the Judy clan, Herman, Sr., Hilda, Herman, Jr. Marilyn,
Donna, Minta , Bob, Dawn, Patrice and Bill.
It was God’s will that Bootie and I met at a very important, yet difficult time of his life. His incredible faith and absolute trust in God’s plan never waivered in spite of the tremendous burdens.
Those, who know and love Bootie, have been fortunate to witness his wonderful Christian soul at work. Bootie is a dedicated Marine, Vietnam Veteran, Firefighter, Dad and loving Brother. He will be remembered for his constant commitment to help others. Certain lines from a much loved movie come to mind. “He just wanted to take care of everyone he knew but his body was just worn out. ‘Bootie’ has gone on to a place where he will be a guardian angel. He will always be young...he will always be handsome. I personally feel much safer knowing that he’s up there on my side.”(Steel Magnolias).
God Bless You Bootie, for all you have taught us, by your life example, about being Humble, learning Forgiveness, absolute Faith, and endless Love. May God continue to surround you with His warm, loving light and forever protect you from harm and evil.
You are loved and greatly missed but we take comfort in that we will see you again.
I know that Bootie went ahead of us to make our way easier. I am forever blessed to have been in his life. Love Always, Charlene
I was Blessed to have Bootie Smith welcome me into the Fire Service at Vint Hill Farms Station. He always had time to share life stories and words of wisdom. I am forever grateful that I had him as a mentor when I was a rookie. He would give you the shirt off his back and was a true Brother Fireman. Was an honor to have worked with him during his last year as a firefighter at Vint Hill. RIP Brother Smith.
Condolences to the Smith Family, from Dan & Melissa Wedding.
RIP my friend.....I will always remember my Little Drummer Boy fondly and all the laughter and silliness we shared in our youth....See ya on the other side....
