Nathaniel “Paul” Smith, Jr.

Nathaniel “Paul” Smith Jr., 81, met Jesus on August 20, 2026. He passed peacefully in his home in Westernport, MD after his courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born on October 11, 1944, in Keyser, WV, Paul was the son of the late Nathaniel Paul Smith Sr. and Esther, “Essie”, Tinsley.He was also preceded in death by his grandparents who raised him—Myrtle, whom he called mom, and Bob Miller.

Paul was a 1962 graduate from Bruce High School and spent most of his career working in the grocery business at both Foodland and Martin’s. He was a devoted member at Sunnyside Covenant Brethren Church where he served as head trustee. Paul took pride in his church and spent countless hours maintaining the beauty and structure of Sunnyside as well as volunteering for an endless number of outreach programs.

An avid sports fan, you could find Paul sitting in the bleachers on a Friday night, cheering for his favorite football team, the Golden Tornado, with his best friends—Ed Dennis and Rusty McCoy. He also enjoyed watching the Pittsburgh Steelers,NASCAR, and the Washington Nationals.

In his earlier years, Paul played softball and bowled in the Tuesday Night Mixed League at Rainbow Lanes in Keyser, WV. Although he spent many years gardening and working outdoors, he also loved watching Let’s Make a Deal, The Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune, and Family Feud.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Linda Smith, who cared for him until the very end; his daughters: Trina Kesner and husband Craig of Keyser, WV and Shayla Smith of Hagerstown, MD; three grandchildren: Kirk Kesner and wife Danielle, Danielle Combs and husband Justin, and Whitney Umstot and husband Brad, all of Keyser, WV; five great-grandchildren who were the light of his life: Lucas and Hailey Kesner and Madison, Isabella, and Alaina Combs; three siblings: Beverly Grove, Gary Tinsley, and Jeff Tinsley; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Paul’s favorite companions, his kitties, will miss him dearly.

The family will receive friends at the Boal Funeral Home 111 Church Street, Westernport on Sunday from 6-8 p.m.

A Funeral Service will be conducted at the Sunnyside Covenant Brethren Church 9182 Northwestern Pike New Creek WV on Monday at Noon with Pastor Randy Shoemaker officiating. Friends will be received at the church one hour prior to the service.

Interment will be in Duling Cemetery, New Creek.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the medical professionals that joined and supported Paul in his fight against cancer.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Sunnyside Covenant Brethren Church for new ice cream makers at 9182 Northwestern Tpke, New Creek, WV, 26743. Please note Paul’s name on the memo line or an accompanying note.