Ernest D. “JR” Smith Jr., 65 of Effingham, passed away at 5:30p.m. on Thursday, February 13, 2020 in his residence.  He was born on December 26, 1954 in Taylorville, the son of Ernest D. Smith Sr. and Mary Ellen (Oller) Smith.  He married Ruth A. Hatley on December 30, 1987 in Edwardsville.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and worked in maintenance for the Bunn Corporation.  JR had a love for motorcycles, old trucks, and enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing.  He enjoyed keeping busy with handyman projects.  He will always be known as a good-hearted man.  More than anything he loved his family, especially his grandsons.  

He is survived by his wife: Ruth A. Smith of Effingham; sons: Brian Hatley of Effingham, Andrew Smith of Shelbyville, and Gabe Meece of Florida; mother: Mary Ellen Uhrick of Taylorville; step-father: Larry Uhrick of Quincy; grandchildren: Austin Edward Hatley of Taylorville, Jayden Asher Smith of Shelbyville, and the grandson who is expected: Talon Daniel Smith; brother: Harold “Ed” Smith (Pam) of Killeen, Texas; and several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews, and aunts and uncles.  He was preceded in death by his father; brothers: David Smith and Daniel Smith; nephews: Colley Kane Smith and David Wayne Smith; and grandparents: Vivian and Frank Oller.

The funeral service for Mr. Smith will be held at 11:00a.m. on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville with Rev. Chad Foster officiating.  Visitation will take place from 10:00a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday.  Burial, with military graveside honors, will take place at Glenhaven Memorial Gardens in Taylorville.  Memorials may be left to the Smith family.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.  Memories of Ernest, or condolences to his family, may be shared online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.