Virgil Dean Smith

Spartanburg, South Carolina

Virgil Dean Smith (Flatwood), 69 years old, passed away on November 10, 2026, in his Spartanburg home. He was born on August 22, 1957, to the late George Melvin Smith and Cozette Marie Phillips Smith. In his working years, he was a carpenter.

Survivors include his wife, Donna (Dea) Smith of York, son Virgil Dean Smith, II, of York, mother, Cozette Marie Phillips Smith of Spartanburg, sister, Teresa Smith McKinney (Ronald) of Spartanburg, brother, George Smith of Union, niece, Molly Heather McKinney of Spartanburg, Jessica Bates McKinney of Spartanburg, great-niece, Samantha Helen Pavone and great-nephew, Finn Campbell Pavone.

He was predeceased by his father, George Melvin Smith and his brother, Arthur Smith.

The family will not be receiving friends at this time. We ask that you remember Virgil/Flatwood in own way. He was a beautiful, troubled soul who is now at peace. No formal services are planned. The family will have a small private graveside memorial service at a later date.

This poem reminded me of the little brother who led me through the creeks and woods in our little community to connect with a world I might have overlooked.

From Mary Oliver's "Flare"

When loneliness come stalking, go into the fields, consider the orderliness of the world. Notice something you have never noticed before.

Like the tambourine sound of the snow-cricket whose pale green body is no longer than your thumb.

Stare hard at the hummingbird, in the summer rain, shaking the water-sparks from its wings.

Let grief be your sister, she will whether or no. Rise up from the stump of sorrow, and be green also, like the diligent leaves.

A lifetime isn't long enough for the beauty of this world and the responsibilities of your life.

Scatter your flowers over the graves and walk away. Be good-natured and untidy in your exuberance.

In the glare of you mind, be modest and beholden to what is tactile, and thrilling.

Live with the beetle, and the wind.

In lieu of flowers memorial contribution may be made to A Way Home. Gifts can be made through the Faith Initiative to End Child Poverty, Selecting,"A Way Home" as the fund to receive gifts.

https://www.faithinitiativespartanburg.org/ 

All arrangements are entrusted into the care and under the direction of Harris-Nadeau Mortuary & Crematory, 864-461-7788.