John Otis Smith

John O. “Buster” Smith died peacefully on January 12, 2010 at the Villages of Greystone in Beaver, WV. The youngest and last of seven children, Buster was born on March 22, 1920 to Mr. and Mrs. John W. Smith. His father was a prominent coal mine owner in Beckley, WV.
Growing up in Beckley, Buster graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School where he was an all-star athlete lettering in three sports. He was All-State in football in 1939, and was inducted into WWHS Hall of Fame. Buster attended Virginia Tech on a football scholarship.
While in college and with World War II in full swing, Buster married his childhood sweetheart, Ann Burwell Ware on February 20, 1942. After graduating with a BS degree and becoming a 2nd Lieutenant, he entered the Army and was sent overseas. He was stationed in Naples, Italy where he readied troops for combat.
In 1945 Captain Smith returned to Beckley and happily reverted to civilian life. While in Beckley, he started a sporting goods store, the Sports Center, established Little League Baseball in Beckley, and started his family.
The Smiths left Beckley in 1953 for Richmond, Va. Buster went to work for the Voit Rubber Company. After a promotion in 1962, they relocated to Atlanta, Ga. Buster continued to live in Atlanta after he lost his beloved wife Ann in 1968. His daughter, son-in-law and grandsons lived there also.
Buster was introduced to Mariel Woodell West in 1971 by his niece, JoLee Daniels of Beckley. Buster and Mariel were happily married in June of 1972 in Beckley but remained in Atlanta until 1977. Littleton, Colorado became their new home when Buster changed jobs. The enjoyed the beauty of Colorado for many years until they retired to Roanoke, Va. Friends, golf, Elderhostels and church kept them busy. When it was time to give up driving, the Smiths moved to the Villages at Greystone in Beaver, W.Va.
John O. “Buster” Smith is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Mariel Smith, his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. & Mrs. Lee R. Cullom of Atlanta, Ga., his stepson and wife, Mr. and Mrs. John F. West of West Palm Beach, Florida, his two grandsons and their wives, Mr. and Mrs. John E. Cullom of Washington, D.C. and Mr. and Mr. & Mrs. Lee H. Cullom of Atlanta, Ga., and great-grandchildren Marguerite and Lee Cullom of Washington, D.C., and Jacob, Ryan, Luke, Laine, Mary Clare and Sara Cullom of Atlanta plus many beloved nieces, nephews, and favorite sister-in-law Mrs. Latane Ware of Chapel Hill, NC.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 6th, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church on Heber St in Beckley, W.Va. with Dr. Bob Stoddard and Rev. Brent Williams officiating. Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers please make any contributions to Colonial Presbyterian Church, 3550 Poplar Dr., Roanoke, Va. 24018
On line condolences may be left at www.calfeefh.com
Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.