In Memoriam : Orville Smith

Orville Smith Orville "Pop" Smith - age: 98
(November 28, 1919 to December 28, 2017 )
Resident of Visalia, California

Visitation Information:
Graveside services will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2018 at the Exeter District Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.

Obituary:
Orville “Pop” Smith, 98 years, died in his home on December 28, 2017 surrounded by his family. He was a member of Westside Church of Christ in Visalia. Orville was born in Amity, Arkansas to G. A. and Lola Smith on November 22, 1919. On September 2, 1938 he married Estlene Jones in Plainview, Arkansas. They had two
daughters. Orville was drafted into the US Army Air Corp in 1942 and served his country in Germany, France and Belgian until 1945 when he received an honorable discharge. After returning to his wife and daughters in Roland, Oklahoma he farmed and later worked in a chair factory in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. He moved his family to Farmersville in 1951 and worked in the fields until he started what became known as Smith’s Walkup. In 1963 they started Smith’s Upholstery in Farmersville and later moved the business to their home location. He continued in the upholstery business until 1998 and the death of his wife. Orville was preceded in death by his parents, wife and beloved granddaughter, Charla Meert. He is survived by his daughters, Ruth Day and husband John of Visalia, Henrietta Bray and husband Thomas of Bakersfield, Granddaughter Tanya Kelsey and husband Mark of Bakersfield, great grandchildren Courtney Bruette and husband Stephen of Tustin, CA, Christopher Meert of Lake Forest, CA, Colby and Hunter Kelsey of Bakersfield, along with dear friend Loveda Parker. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. The family wishes Orville to be remembered as a good hard working Christian man.







Jeannie Schultz - December 29, 2017Contact this person Contact this person
My heart goes out to the family at this difficult time. Pop always brought a smile to my face. His warmth and witt was so special. He was sure loved by his granddaughter and now they are together again in heaven. I am so sorry.