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Luety 'Big Smitty' Smith of Elkville

Luety F. " Big Smitty" Smith, 77, of Elkville, passed away at 4:45 a.m. on Monday, July 6, 2020 at the Du Quoin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Du Quoin.

Big Smitty worked as a maintenance foreman for Peabody Coal Company at the River King Mine in Freeburg, and also as a chief industrial electrician for Big Rivers Zinc in Sauget.

He was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, serving on the USS Goldsborough. Big Smitty was a member of the Big Smitty was a member of the Piston Pushers and Gear Jammers Car Club in the Belleville area.

He was born June 13, 1943 at Bluford, Illinois, the son of Freeman and Evelyn (Gulley) Smith.

He is survived by his domestic partner and lifetime companion, Elaine (Wright) Heard of Elkville and Elaine's daughter Keri Heard of Nashville, Illinois; his son, Richard Smith of Fairview Heights; grandson Austin Smith of Missouri; sister Shelia (Art) Gwodzik of Marion; dear friend Tim Cobin of Elkville and his beloved pet, Baby.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Per Big Smitty's request cremation rites will be held. There will be no public visitation or funeral.

Friends may make memorials to the Perry County Humane Society, which will be accepted at the funeral home.

Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.