Obituary

Warnell Smith was born to McKinley Smith and Elizabeth Mack on September 4,1943, in Cumberland, Virginia.

He attended the public schools in Cumberland, Virginia. He was employed at Buffalo Shook and later Capitol Mason Construction Company as a Bricklayer Foreman until he retired. He helped build John Paul Jones (JPJ) Arena in Charlottesville, Virginia and the Richmond Convention Center during his employment with Capitol Mason Construction.

Warnell was a loving caring brother, father, uncle, grandfather, nephew, cousin, and friend. You would see Warnell at softball and baseball games, making sure everyone had a refreshing drink. He loved hunting, fishing, and gardening. He was well known for his tomatoes and watermelons that he gave to his family and friends. He won first place at the fair and was pictured in the Cumberland paper during 2009 for his watermelons. He was affectionately called "Nell" by his friends and family. He loved to wear his cap turned to the side. Although it was turned to the side, it always stayed on his head.

He loved his family, especially his children. He taught his children a lot about life and taking care of themselves and working hard. He was a good man and provider always making sure his family was feed and comfortable.

Warnell departed on his heavenly journey on December13, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents McKinley and Elizabeth, numerous brothers and sisters, several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Warnell leaves to cherish his memories, his devoted companion of forty-five years, Barbara Lee, whom he called Ann; two sons; James "Darnell" (Alvina), Jermaine (Khadijah), bonus son Stanley (Tina); four sisters, Cleasher Trent (Charles), Cecelia Brown, Linda Smith, Nora Bland (Wallace); one brother; David Smith (Francis); three grandchildren, Ebonique, Royster, Racquel Adams; two bonus grandchildren, Destiny Lee and Diante' Lee; three great grandchildren, Quentin Tilar Jr., Chozen Dupree, Derek Adams; two devoted nieces; DeArta and Monica; special nieces, Annette, Earlene, Wanda, and Mindy; a devoted friend Jessie "Ed" Lee, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and many friends.

The Last Request

Family & Friends Dear Family and Friends,

Please don't say that I gave up.

Just say that I was tired, I gave in.

Don't talk about what I did and didn't do,

just know I did my best, I tried to do what's right,

By giving the most I could, not less.

Don't give me wings or halos, That's for God to do.

I want no more than I deserve, No extra, just my due.

Please don't give me flowers or talk in hushed tones.

Don't talk about my illness, it's over, it's done,

and I am out of pain. Don't be concerned now,

God saw the road was getting tough

and hills were hard to climb,

He closed my weary eyes, I am well with God, I'm home.

Remember all the good times, don't focus on the bad.

For life is full of many things, some happy and some sad…

And if you must do something, I have but one last request.

Please forgive me for any wrong; I've done,

And with any love that is left, Thank God for my soul's resting,

Thank God for I've been blessed, Thank God for all who loved me,

But, praise God, who loves me best.

Acknowledgement

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to everyone for remembering us kindly through your prayers, cards, phone calls, text messages, and other acts of kindness. May God bless you and His love be yours to share.