Lester Ray Smith

Elkmont, AL – Lester Ray Smith, 78, passed away on January 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born March 21, 1947, to the late Lucille and Grady Smith, Les was raised with enduring values of faith, hard work, and generosity. Lester was a devoted husband to Amelia, his beloved wife of 55 years, and a proud father to his sons, Jay and Wyn. He was a teacher by trade and a coach by instinct on the baseball field, basketball court, football field, and everywhere in between. During more than 30 years teaching at Elkmont High School, and several more at West Limestone, he shaped generations of students and athletes. While he was a coach to many, his greatest joy was being “Coach” to his three grandchildren, Charlie, Townes, and Holt. An athlete himself, Lester played sports at Athens High School, then went on to play baseball at Calhoun and Athens State before earning his master’s degree from the University of North Alabama. He was a devoted member and elder of Elkmont Church of Christ for many years, where his faith guided his leadership, service, and daily life. He also served 13 years in the National Guard and represented his community on the Elkmont Town Council. His wide-ranging interests later led him to the pasture, raising and showing cattle. Lester is survived by his wife, Amelia Morris Smith of Elkmont, AL; his sons, Jay Smith (Katherine) and Wyn Smith (Merry Michael), and his grandchildren, Charlie, Townes, and Holt, all of Birmingham, AL; his sister, Barbara Patterson (Kenneth), and his brothers, Donnie Smith (Sue) and Bryan Smith (Latricia), all of Athens, AL; his brother-in-law, John Morris (Donna) of Elkmont, AL; and many nieces, nephews, and friends who felt like family. His legacy lives on through those he loved, the many students and players he guided, and a life marked by selfless influence. Family and friends are invited to attend visitation on January 19, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home. A service to honor Lester’s life will be held the following day at 11:00 at the same location. Burial will take place at Antioch Cemetery in Elkmont. Pallbearers will be Donnie Smith, Bryan Smith, Eric Patterson, Miles Smith, John Douglas Wiggins, and John Morris. Honorary pallbearers are Kenneth Patterson, Melvin Sexton, Harold Vessels, Joey Thompson, and Jimmy McMillin. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Elkmont Church of Christ, Elkmont High School Foundation, and Hospice of Limestone County.

Lester Ray Smith

March 21, 1947 - January 16, 2026