Dean Ardell Smith, 65, of rural Spring Mills, went home to be with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on Saturday, September 10, 2016, as a result of an equipment accident.

He was born November 11, 1950, a son of the late Sara Wagner Smith, and Ardell Smith who survives in rural Spring Mills.

On May 6, 1972 he married Pamela Reif Smith who survives at home.

Dean graduated from Penns Valley Area High School in 1968. He served in the U. S. Army during the Viet Nam War as a Senior Gunner earning the rank of SP5 before being honorably discharged in 1971. He was awarded a National Service Defense Medal and a Sharpshooter M-14 Citation.

He retired from HRI after several years of service in various positions. Dean owned and operated Smith Country Auto Body in rural Spring Mills.

A community minded person, he was a founding member of Grace Baptist Church, Spring Mills; served on the board of the Penns Valley EMS, served as a Penn Township Supervisor; and served on the Penn Township Planning Commission and on the Penns Valley Regional Planning Commission, as well as having served as a volunteer with the Millheim Fire Company.

In his rare moments of free time, he enjoyed fly fishing, hunting, and spending time with family, and Sprint Car Races.

Upon hearing of his death someone wrote, “He had a huge impact on so many people, He’s leaving a huge hole in so many hearts. He will be missed, but his life will continue to speak.”

Surviving Mr. Smith in addition to his wife and father is a daughter Rebekah Green (Roger) of Woodland; two sons, Chad Smith (Amy) and Nathan Smith (Heather) all of rural Spring Mills; seven grandchildren, Isaiah, Moriah, Ashlynne, and Kallista Smith, and Mason, Gage, and Gabriella Green, and a grandson Case Green who is to be born Friday, September 16, 2016. Also surviving is a sister, Dee Saylor (Larry) of State College; and two brothers, Danny Smith (Cindy) and David Smith (Pam) all of rural Spring Mills.

In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his mother in law Bette Braucht and his brother in law Brian Fleck.

A memorial service will be held at 10 am, Saturday September 24, 2016 at the First Baptist Church of Bellefonte, 539 Jacksonville Road, Bellefonte, PA; with the Reverend Kenneth Codner and the Reverend Jack Palmer officiating. Friends will be received immediately following the services at the church. A private graveside service was held in the Heckman Cemetery rural Spring Mills.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Grace Baptist Church, 3596 Penns Valley Road, Spring Mills, PA 16875

An on line guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.