Doyle Rayvon Smith, age 76, passed away on November 24,
2021. He was born to the late Clarence Oliver Smith and Fern Hazel Dirks on
November 10, 1945, in Great Bend, Kansas. He grew up working on the family farm
in western Kansas and attended Bethel College for two years, where he met his
wife, Janice. After transferring to Kansas State University, he earned his
Agricultural Engineering degree in 1970.
The family lived in several locations throughout Doyle?s
career. In the early 1970s, he worked at the Krause Milling soybean
manufacturing facility in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He soon relocated to
Logansport, Indiana, where he helped build and manage their new soybean
processing plant. Both of their daughters, Dea and Tarryn, were born during
those years. Doyle, Jan, and the girls then moved to Decatur, Indiana, in 1978,
when Doyle became the superintendent of Central Soya?s multi-purpose soybean
operation there. In 1985, the family transferred to Indianapolis, Indiana,
where Doyle served as the manager of their inner-city soybean plant. They
returned to Decatur, Indiana, in 1987, when Doyle became plant manager of
Central Soya?s largest facility. He remained in that position throughout the
rest of his employment years, including during the company?s buyout by the
Bunge Corporation in 2004. Doyle gave his signature presentations of overall
plant processes to almost all domestic and international visitors. He retired in
2008.
Through the years, Doyle was a devoted husband and father
who attended every family activity when possible. He showed up like clockwork
to lend a hand with the sound gear and instruments for the music programs given
by Jan and the girls. Doyle loved the outdoors, golfing, and attending the Indy
500 most years. He kept his equipment and cars in top condition and could fix
nearly everything. He was a member of the Men of Acts Ministry (helping repair
homes of those in need), participated in Bible Study regularly, and enjoyed
teachings on prophecy.
In 2006, Doyle was thrilled to gain a son-in-law, Michael.
Doyle and Jan then became grandparents in 2010. They decided to move to the
Nashville area in 2012 to be closer to their children and granddaughter, Savannah.
A second granddaughter, Amelia, was born in 2016. He treasured the opportunity
to be with his family on a regular basis.
Doyle is survived by his wife of 56 years, Janice ?Jan?
Graber Smith; daughters, Dea Smith and Tarryn (Michael) Wallin; granddaughters,
Savannah and Amelia Wallin; brother, Corydon (Sandra) Smith; sister, Barbara
Kuenne; brother-in-law, Larry (Jacqueline) Graber; sister-in-law, Gloria (Jory)
Popp; devoted nieces and nephews: Stephanie Smith, Lori (Tom) McCroskey,
Michael Graber, Stephen (Katherine) Graber, Aaron (Sue) Graber, Ginger
(Winston) Clay, Nathan (Adriana) Popp, and Rachelle (Joel) Ball; plus his
numerous beloved great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by
sister-in-law, Anita Graber, and brother-in-law, Tom Kuenne.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Doyle?s life will be at
11:00 AM (CST) on Saturday, January 29, 2022, in Williamson Memorial Funeral
Home, 3009 Columbia Avenue, Franklin, TN 37064, with visitation beginning at
10:00 AM (CST). It will be officiated by Pastors Harry Stambaugh and Charlie
Weir. A private burial will be held for the family the day prior. Williamson
Memorial welcomes the use of masks but does not require them.
Memorials may be made to Samaritan?s Purse via Doyle?s
memorial page at https://sampur.se/31nPIn2 or to their mailing address, P.O.
Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607. They can also be made to Gateway Franklin Church at
www.gatewayfranklin.com or to their mailing address, 1288 Lewisburg Pike,
Franklin, TN 37064.
Out-of-town guests attending the services are encouraged to
stay at the Embassy Suites Franklin, 820 Crescent Centre Dr., Franklin, TN
37067. A room block is reserved for the Doyle Smith Memorial Weekend. To book,
use the code ?DSM? @ phone number (615) 515-5151 to obtain the guaranteed rate
through 5 PM (CST) on Friday, January 14, 2022.
WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME (615) 794-2289 www.williamsonmemorial.com
