Melvin Beecher Smith Jr.

Melvin Beecher Smith Jr., 79, of Pikeville, passed away at his home on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.

He was a member of the Church of Christ at Wheeler Hill, and a 1965 graduate of Bledsoe County High School.  Melvin was a grader operator for over 40 years and was the union steward of Local 917B.  He was a lifelong farmer, loved to hunt and fish, and enjoyed time with his family.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Beecher and Eunice Watson Smith; son, Ivan Melvin Smith; brothers, Gerald, Jimmy, and Alan Smith; sister, Sharon Woodsmall; and father-in-law, Arnold Hale.

Left behind to cherish his memory is his loving wife of  43 years, Charlotte Hale Smith; daughters,  Christy (Bobby) Hearne, Monica (Ronald) Blankenship, and Amanda (Eric) Morgan; grandchildren, Clarissa Burgess (Chris Eikel), Tosh (Michael) Kean, Gage Smith, Grace (Bret) Holland, Chase Smith, Jesse (Tara) Blankenship, and Emma and Addie Morgan; great-grandchildren, Eden Kean, Rylee Eikel, Lucas and Mason Smith, Sophie Kean, and Skyler and Weston Colt Holland; sisters, Sheila Smith Stone, Gwen (Darryl) Woodall, and Angela (Phillip) Hankins; mother-in-law, Alice Dean Hale; brothers-in-law, Stanley Hale and Denny Woodsmall; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

A celebration of life was held Saturday, June 13, in the funeral home chapel with Minister Jason Barger officiating. Burial was in the Beecher and Eunice Smith Family Cemetery.

Those serving as pallbearers are Bobby Hearne, Ronald Blankenship, Eric Morgan, Gage Smith, Jesse Blankenship, and Chris Eikel. Honorary pallbearers are Lucas and Mason Smith.

Condolences can be made at www.pikevillefuneralhome.com.

Pikeville Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.