Obituaries

Mr. V. Wayne Smith

V. Wayne Smith, age 82, of South Hill, Virginia died peacefully on June 7, 2025, in his home in Maryville, Tennessee surrounded by his loved ones. He fought a long battle with advanced-stage dementia. He opened, owned, and operated Karobway Furniture for decades. A multitude of customers have shared how many years they have been shopping at Karobway, their entire houses having been furnished by Wayne’s beloved store. Though he devoted countless hours to the furniture industry, Wayne definitely had fun, too. He was an avid hot-rod connoisseur and loved to spin wheels; he handled curves at a high speed better than any Nascar driver. Wayne loved to travel and went on countless cross-country trips on his Harley Davidson. He appreciated an excellent meal and loved all things sweet and sugary; no bowl of ice cream was ever spared when he was around. Wayne was an expert wood craftsman, too. Over the years, he constructed many items such as blanket racks, bed swings, dressers and drawers, fireplace mantles, and large jewelry boxes that are cherished items to his family. On most days, you could find Wayne working in his shop perfecting his craft or simply tinkering with his tools. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Thelma Smith; and his four brothers, Clyde, Blackwell, Edsel, and Emory Smith. Wayne is survived by his beloved wife and faithful adventure partner of 62 wonderful years, JoAnn Smith of Maryville, Tennessee, formerly South Hill, Virginia; his son, Robert, and wife, Cassandra Smith of South Hill, Virginia; his daughter, Katherine, and husband, Richard Huskey of Sevierville, Tennessee; his grandchildren, Grace Huskey, Benjamin and wife, Brooke Huskey, Lucy Smith, and Lydia Smith; and his great-grandchild, Wyn Huskey (son of Benjamin and Brooke). The graveside service will be held on June 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Oakwood Cemetery, 116 E Third Street, South Hill, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Mecklenburg Cancer Association. This cause is very near and dear to our hearts. Donations can be made online or via mail. If mailing a donation, make checks payable to MCCA – PO Box 94, Clarksville, VA 23927. Online condolences may be made through our website, www.crowderhitecrews.com. Crowder-Hite-Crews Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Smith family.