Smith Rudasill, Jr

Smith Rudasill, Jr. of Sebring, Florida and Burnsville, NC passed away on Sunday, January 26, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's Disease. He was 91.
Smith was a loving man who lived a busy and fulfilling life. He was a World War II veteran who ran a successful International Harvester/Kubota dealership, raised a family of five children and enjoyed traveling, spending time with his family and pets, and cheering for the Florida Gators.
Smith was born in Atlanta, GA on September 18, 1922 to Gertrude Randall Rudasill and Smith J. Rudasill, Sr. He moved to Sebring in 1937 and graduated from Sebring High School. He attended the University of Florida where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and Sigma Delta Pi business honorary. During his sophomore year, he joined the Army and was a veteran of both the European and Pacific conflicts. He was with Patton's Third Army when they pushed the German army out of France and Luxembourg and into Germany.
Returning to Sebring after the war, Smith married Ruth Durrance and they returned to the University of Florida where he earned a BS in Business Administration. Daughter Kay was born in Gainesville. Sons Smith J., III, Christopher R, Michael C. and daughter Laurie Lynn were born in Lakeland.
Smith was a member of and Past President of Sebring Rotary Club, active in the Elks Club, President of the City Council, Chairman of the Sebring Utilities Commission, Methodist Men's Association, a volunteer Fireman and most memorably, he was Mayor of Sebring for almost 25 years.
Ruth Durrance passed away in 1977, and in 1981, Smith married Jean Kelly, with whom he enjoyed many years of travel and love. Smith is survived by wife Jean, of Burnsville, NC, children Kay(Butch)von Weller of Winter Park, Fl, Smith III of Williamsport, Pa, Chris(Terry) of Winter Park, Mike(Susann) of Tallahassee, Laurie(Murray)Hays of Mt. Dora and Boone (Amy) Moore of Fort Myers, Fl.
Grandchildren Ryan(Julie)von Weller of Orlando, Lindsey von Weller of Orlando, Christopher Rudasill of Jacksonville, Connor Rudasill of Winter Park and Brie Moore of Fort Myers. Also great grandchildren Caitlin Sloan von Weller and Cade Landon von Weller of Orlando.
Smith touched the lives of so many with his smile, caring nature and wonderful sense of humor. He was one of a kind.
Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, February 8th at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church. A reception will be held immediately following the service in the Family Life Building. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Change of Pace Adult Day Care Program, 4514 Hammock Road, Sebring. FL 33872 and Hospice of Yancey, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.

Condolences or Life Stories may be expressed in his Guestbook. Morris Funeral Chapel, Sebring, Fl.






Preceded In Death BY

Gertrude Randall Rudasill, Mother
Smith J. Rudasill, Sr., Father
Ruth Durrance, Wife

Survived By

Jean Kelly, Wife
Kay(Butch)von Welle, Daughter
Smith III, Son
Chris(Terry), Son
Mike(Susann), Son
Laurie(Murray)Hays, Daughter
Boone (Amy) Moore, Son
Ryan(Julie)von Weller: Grandson
Lindsey von Weller, Granddaughter
Christopher Rudasill, Grandson
Connor Rudasill, Grandson
Brie Moore, Granddaughter
Caitlin Sloan von Weller, Great Granddaughter
Cade Landon von Weller, Great Grandson

Facts

Date Of Birth: September 18, 1922
Place Of Birth: Atlanta, GA
Place Of Death: Sebring, FL.
Date Of Death: January 26, 2014

Services

Friends and family are invited to attend
a memorial service on Saturday, February 8th
at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church.
A reception will be held immediately following
the service in the Family Life Building.

06/29/2014 - Mike Early

I knew of Mike's father only thru the son but will offer my personal condolences to the Rudasill family. May God bless you all .

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