Russell L. Smith

Russell Lee Smith, 83, of Pekin, IL peacefully passed away at 9:15 PM Saturday, December 31, 2016 at his home in Pekin. Russell was born October 24, 1933 in Peoria to Russell V. Smith and Margret (Peg) Brown.He married Connie Hendricks on Dec. 24, 1956. His parents, brother, Allen Smith and wife preceded him in death. Surviving him are one son, Steve Smith of Pekin; one daughter, Vicki (William) Berchtold of Pekin; 5 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Russell served in the United States Army and retired from working at Caterpillar.He was a servant of the Lord and a lifelong Boy Scout.Russell worked in Boy Scouts for 49 years and received a Vigil Honor on July 13, 1988.He was a missionary coordinator at Groveland Missionary Church for 6 years, a deacon for 9 years, and an usher for over 30 years.He is known for being a 'Godly man' with amazing faith and trust in the Lord.He loved greeting people as they arrived at the church with a handshake or hug and giving them the bulletin. Russell loved to spend his time being outside and working with his hands.His favorite hobbies were hunting, camping, fishing and wood working. Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Friday, January 6, 2017 at Groveland Missionary Church with Rev. Marvin Classeen officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Friday at the church. Burial with military honors will be at Glendale Memorial Gardens. Arrangements have been entrusted to Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory. Memorial contributions may be made to Groveland Missionary Church, Peoria Rescue Mission or the Paralyzed Vets of America. Cemetery Glendale Memorial Gardens 18119 Illinois Route 9 Pekin,IL 61554 Service Friday, January 6, 2017 10:30 AM Groveland Missionary Church 5043 E. Queenwood Road Groveland,IL 61535 Visitation Friday, January 6, 2017 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Groveland Missionary Church 5043 E. Queenwood Road Groveland,IL 61535