Shelly Zack Smith

Shelly Zack Smith, known affectionately as Shelly to friends and family, left a legacy of unwavering strength and dedication when he passed away peacefully at his home in Dothan, Alabama, on July 11, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones after an extended illness. Born on July 23, 1949, Shelly's journey through life was marked by his commitment to service, hard work, and the enduring love he shared with his family and community.

Shelly's life story is one of remarkable resilience and devotion. Shortly after graduating high school in 1967, he enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at Ft. Bragg. It was there that Shelly's heart found its counterpart in Lillie (Pooh) Pearl Smith, who would become his cherished wife of 56 years. Together, they built a family that included their son, Shelly Keith (Catrece) Smith and daughters, Angela (Kenneth) Britt, Keshia (Melvin) Gray, Mary, (Roney) Goods, and Tonya (Andre) Allen, one bonus daughter, Barbara Bulger, along with a beautiful brood of 17 grandchildren, Kim, Jamar, Courtnee, Kelli, Bria, Bryan, Malcolm, Destinee, Isaiah, Zachary, Gabrielle, Jada, Gavin, Rashad, Ezra, Kyle, and Kirsten, and 15 great-grandchildren, who all adored their patriarch.

A man of many talents, Shelly utilized his skills as a mechanic and later, during his 15-year tenure with Perdue. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish a lawn care business, which he owned and operated for 23 years. Shelly was the epitome of a self-made man, whose hands were as adept at nurturing the earth as they were at providing for his family.

His interests reflected the core values of his character: strict yet fair, Shelly was a pillar of strength and wisdom within his family. His frugality was matched only by his structured approach to life. When Shelly spoke, his words carried weight, and his advice was sought after and respected by his children and grandchildren. He was the patriarch his family could always count on, a guiding light that never faltered.

Shelly's spiritual foundation was as solid as his work ethic. A God-fearing man, he attended Stringer Street AME Church, where his faith was as evident in his actions as it was in his words. Shelly's profound belief in God, coupled with his love for his family and his lawn care business, shaped the essence of who he was—a man who lived life with purpose and grace.

His family, a testament to his life's work, includes not only his devoted wife, Lillie, his loving children, his treasured grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but his supportive brothers, Paul Smith, Phillip Smith, and Bishop C. Smith, and his caring sisters, Betty Smith and Linda J. Thornton. Shelly's memory will also be cherished by a host of nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Willie and Mary Smith, his children Gregory Zack Smith and Tabitha Preist Smith, and his siblings Ellen Collins, Evelyn Mardis, Mary Respress, Jack Smith, and Emma J. Baxter.

As we gather to honor Shelly's memory, let us reflect on the indelible mark he left on our lives. A celebration of Shelly's life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Superintendent Eugene Smith officiating. Military honors will follow at the Sunset Memorial Park Helicopter Pavilion. Friends and family are welcome to join in remembrance of a man who was not only wise and faith-filled but incredibly handy from 4-6 pm on Friday, July 19, 2024 at the funeral home.