On Sunday, June 9, Callie Mai Smith, devoted wife, mother and grandmother, passed away in Mayfield at the age of 92. She is now resting comfortably in the arms of Jesus after a loving and impactful life.
She was born Callie Mai Kornegay on October 20, 1926 in Memphis, TN. At a young age, she moved to Paducah along with her parents and two sisters – Mary and Geraldine. Callie graduated from Reidland High School in 1944 before attending Draughn’s Business College in 1945. During that time, she met her husband, Rudy Wilson Smith, through a family member. They married on September 23, 1945 after Rudy completed a tour of duty in World War II.
Together, Rudy and Callie lovingly raised three children in the Boaz community – Robert, Jimmy (wife Rhonda) and Beverly (Mitchell, husband Dale). Callie worked at Michael’s Hardware in Paducah for 19 years before spending 18 years at Prudential Insurance. She retired from Prudential in 1982 to spend more time with her family. She was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and attended Full Gospel Tabernacle in Paducah.
Callie had a passion for gardening, fishing, sewing and crafting. Many of her family’s fondest memories were with Callie gathered around her kitchen for a big meal after church or on holidays. She had an incredibly loving spirit and embodied the tenderness and compassion of Jesus with whomever she encountered. She enjoyed attending Mayfield Trade Day weekly with her family members.
She was preceded in death by her two sisters. After celebrating 62 years of marriage, Rudy passed in 2008. Callie had 5 grandchildren – Tracy Clay of Tunnel Hill, Ill., Bradley Mitchell (wife Tina) of Paducah, Ginny Angle of Paducah, Amanda Mitchell (deceased), and Jake Mitchell (wife Missi) of Nashville, TN. She had 11 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of her life and arrival into Heaven will be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at Hughes Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am and the funeral service will start at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Boaz.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Creatures Great and Small Animal Rescue, c/o Judy Hardy, 1155 Mayfield Metropolis Rd., Paducah, KY 42001.
You may leave a message of sympathy or light a memorial candle online at www.hughesfuneral.com.
Hughes Funeral Home of Paducah is in charge of arrangements.
