Christopher Merlie Smith, 91, of the Union Grove Community in Jemison, passed away on March 7 at his residence.

He was born in Chilton County on June 3, 1924, the son of the late Nathan G. Smith and the late Rilla Conway Smith.

He was a former hardware salesman.

He is survived by his daughter, Brenda (Jeff) Payton of Jemison; grandchildren: Joyce (Allen) Parker of Jemison, Chris (Jennifer) Morris of Dothan, Jason (Tanya) Morris of Jemison, Brandon Smith of Prattville, Dr. Jarred (Sara) Smith of Atlanta, and Robyn (Justin) Bader of Prattville; four great grandchildren; and daughter-in-law, Angie Smith of Prattville.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Brasher Smith and son, Melvin Smith.

Visitation was held March 8 from 6-8 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Jemison.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 9 at 2 p.m. from Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with the Rev. Darrell Sammons and the Rev. J. Aaron Ellison officiating.

Burial will follow in the Union Grove Community Cemetery in Jemison.

Final care and arrangements entrusted to Ellison Memorial Funeral Home of Clanton.

www.ellisonmemorialfuneralhome.com.