Kurt Heister Smith

Kurt Heister Smith, 64, of Hillsville, VA passed away on October 22, 2010 at his home. Kurt was born May 6, 1946 in Statesville, NC to the late Paul Heister Smith and Muriel Lois Rundle Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers James Roger Smith and Kent Andrew Smith. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Webb Smith, and brothers, Lyn Shaw Smith & special friend, Judy Edwards, of Gretna, VA, and Jeffrey Lyn Smith & spouse, Mary Janick-Smith, of Lynchburg, VA; mother-in-law Mary Lou Ayers of Hillsville, VA; and brother-in-law Daniel David Webb & spouse, Barbara Webb, of Fancy Gap, VA.

Kurt graduated from Hillsville HS in 1964 and from Virginia Tech in 1969 with a BS in Psychology. Kurt was a Staff Sergeant in the US Army Reserves. He worked as an Industrial Engineer for several companies, including Burlington Industries, Frances Denny and Elizabeth Arden. He held many positions including Plant Manager and eventually became a consultant with Price Waterhouse Coopers before establishing his own company, Kurt Smith & Company Engineering Consulting.

Kurt is fondly remembered for his love of, and loyalty to, his family and his many passions that he shared with his long time buddies and family. Kurt was an avid Hokie football fan, hiker, photographer, lover of music, scuba diver, runner, skier, golfer and a highly skilled white water canoeist. He loved nature and animals, and adopted and loved many dogs and cats in need of a home. An intelligent and practical man with many interests, skills and talents, Kurt was a hard worker and problem solver. He thoroughly enjoyed his home and beautiful property on Snake Creek and sharing love and life with his best-est buddy, Barbara.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2010 at 3:00 PM at Gladesboro Lutheran Church with Rev. Joseph Shumate officiating. Marita Aicher-Swartz, MA and Rev. Duane Steele will also be participating in the service. Military Rites will be conducted by the Hillsville V.F.W. Grover King Post 1115. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday, October 30, 2010 beginning at 1:00 P.M. until service time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kurts memory to the Joy Ranch Home for Children P.O. Box 727 Hillsville, VA 24343 or Gladesboro Lutheran Church 3486 Gladesboro Road Hillsville, VA 24343.