WARREN SMITH

Obituary of WARREN SMITH Warren Andrew Smith, Sr. 96, of Umatilla, Florida, passed away Friday, April 29, 2011. Warren was born and raised in Umatilla in the house built by his father, who was also born in Umatilla. Warren graduated from Umatilla High School in 1934 and married Bernice Mallory in 1937. The couple relocated to Miami as they began their family, raising two sons. In 1966 they moved to Newberry and then in the late 1980s returned to Umatilla where they spent the remainder of their lives together. Warren began his career at Super Fuel in Mt. Dora and spent most of his career as a service manager in the LP Gas industry in Miami and Tampa. He was also a Life Loyal member and Past Exalted Ruler of the BPO Elks. Warren was a member of the First Baptist Church of Umatilla. After his retirement, Warren spent much of his time outdoors on their farm in Newberry tending to the cows and creating a beautiful home with Bernice. Warren was quite the storyteller and enjoyed spending hours with his five grandchildren telling them tall tales of his adventurous childhood in Umatilla and even taller tales about his years in Miami where he encountered the likes of Al Capone, Ernest Hemingway, and Raul Castro. Warren instilled in his children and grandchildren an appreciation for Florida history and through his stories, brought the past to life. Together with Bernice, he organized the Smith Family Reunion each year in Umatilla, a highlight for family and community, both of which were very important to the couple. Warren was preceded in death by his wife Bernice who passed away in October 2009, brother Clarence Smith, sisters Betty Groome, Ernestine Teston and Virginia Robertson Stefl, and great grandson Zachary Banowsky. He is survived by sons Warren Jr. of Tarpon Springs and Dan of Ft. Worth, TX, five grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 4th at 1:00 p.m. at Umatilla Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Umatilla, 550 Hatfield Drive. Services A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 4th at 1:00 p.m. at Umatilla Cemetery. Memorials In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Umatilla, 550 Hatfield Drive.