Herman J. Smith

Herman J. Smith, known as Junior, aged 89 of Shelby passed away at Grandview Medical Center on January 16, 2025, after a brief illness. He was born to parents, Willie Smith and Louvenia Gothard on January 11,1936. He is preceded in death by both parents.

Junior graduated from Calera High School and spent most of his life as a truck driver, driving many of those years for Moore and Handley. After retiring, he enjoyed spending time outdoors, hunting, and repairing lawnmowers to stay busy. He loved watching Alabama football, old Western movies, and talking about hunting and baseball with his great-grandsons. He will be remembered fondly by those who knew and loved him. 

He met Jean Barnett in church and the two eloped on January 8, 1955, and together they had three children. He always referred to Jean as the love of his life. After she unexpectedly passed away, he would eventually meet his long-term companion Annie Horton who preceded him in death in 2022. He is also preceded in death by his only son, David, and one great-granddaughter, Faith. 

He is survived by daughters, Debra (Tommy) Trimm and Donna Curry; grandchildren, Hugh (Sarah) Trimm, Hollie (Justin) Partridge, Jeannie (Chris) Dales, Chase Curry, and Brian (Jessica) Smith; nine great-grandchildren; nephew, Ricky Winterbottom; several nieces, nephew, and friends. 

Funeral services will be held, weather permitting, at 11am on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at Charter Funeral Home in Calera with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Rocky Mount Cemetery in Jemison. His family is very appreciative of all those who cared for him during his last hospital stay and for all the kind words received by those who knew him. 

4 Comments

  1. Hank Lucas on January 20, 2025 at 3:46 pm

    What a fine fellow. Herman repaired my mowers. I always enjoyed taking them to him so we could talk and solve the world’s problems. He was a good man and always fair and friendly to me. Don’t make’m like Herman anymore. God comfort his loved ones.



  2. Beth Winterbottom on January 20, 2025 at 11:23 pm

    This man had a huge impact on my husband, Ricky
    Winterbottom! I have heard about Jean and Junior since we started dating in 1980. He loved this man and had so many stories of hunting with Junior. I am so thankful Ricky got to spend some quality time with Junior before he died! I am praying for y’all! 🙏

    What a special man he was to Ricky!



  3. Sid Godfrey on January 21, 2025 at 7:03 pm

    God Bless and comfort Hermans family and friends.
    He was our fullback on our hapless football team 🙂
    Wish I could attend the funeral, but recent back surgery prevents me from coming.
    Our class of 1956 is getting thin…only a handful left. Our last reunion was 5-6 years ago. Herman and I were the only men in attendance.



  4. Danny & Debra Howard on January 23, 2025 at 2:56 am

    We are so very sorry to hear of Herman’s passing. We know he will be missed by many.