Berkeley Hamilton Smith, 81, a native of Mobile and a lifelong resident of Soldiers Creek died Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010.
He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and was stationed in Alaska with the 54th Troop Carrier Squadron.
After graduating from the University of Alabama, he went to work for the Union Oil Company of California. In 1968, he left the oil company and moved home. He went to work for the South Baldwin Bank where he served as vice president and branch manager in Gulf Shores. After 17 years at the Gulf Shores branch, he transferred to the Elberta office where he retired from First Alabama Bank in 1991.
He was active in the business community having been instrumental in the formation of the Gulf Shores Tourist Association, an organization which marketed the Gulf Coast to northern cities and promoted the Shrimp Festival. He also served on the board of the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and the Retail Council.
He participated in many civic organizations including serving as president of the Gulf Shores Lions Club for two consecutive terms, Charter Member of the Gulf Shores Rotary Club, Charter Member of the Perdido Bay Optimist Club.
He was surrounded by his family at his death.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Mary Scott Smith; son, Mark H. Smith (Becky) of Foley; two daughters, Cathy Smith of Stokesdale, N.C., and Berkleigh Smith (Vic) Cirilli; and one very special granddaughter, Victoria Cirilli.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Awadhesh Gupta and Sharon Wheeler at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center for their kindness and support.
Visitation begins at 9 a.m. with Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Lillian. Interment will follow at Old Spanish Cemetery in Lillian.
The family requests memorial donations be made to the American Diabetes Association.
Arrangements are by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., Elberta.
