Philip Smith

Philip Smith joined the heavenly choir on May 25, 2019 in unending song “Joyful, joyful we adore thee.” Phil was born to Genevieve Tudor Smith and William Floyd Smith on September 9, 1931. He served in the Navy during the Korean War, after which he graduated from the University of Illinois with a B.S. in Accounting. In 1960, Phil settled in Decatur IL with his first wife, Ruth Cortright. He worked in real estate and purchasing for Illinois Power Company. Later, Phil joined the Rothfus Hug real estate appraisal firm. Phil’s church home was First Presbyterian Church. He was an enthusiastic tenor soloist and choir member. Phil also served as an elder and church treasurer. First Pres was “family,” and a constant source of loving support. Phil served as a DOVE board member for several years and was an advocate for the sanctuary they provide to vulnerable men and women in our community. He valued the friendships made there. Phil was a gentle man and a gentleman. We will miss him. He is survived by wife, Marilyn Tenney Smith, whom he spent thirty years loving. He is remembered with love and thankfulness by seven stepchildren and their families: Kathleen (Kris) Connelly Wattelet, Pontiac, IL; David Connelly; Carl (Itsy) Tenney, Decatur; Beth Tenney, San Francisco, CA; Alan (Annie) Tenney, New London NC; Sara Tenney, Washington DC and Sam (Tonya) Tenney, Hammond IL. Thanks are due to special caregivers along the way. Alzheimer’s is a path not chosen but travelled also by earthly angels who hold our hands. Thanks to Tami Smith, home care provider and friend; Dr. Michael Wall; St. Mary’s Adult Day Care and their cheerful bus drivers. At the end, Phil received the most excellent care from Hickory Point Christian Village Haven House and their Safe Haven Hospice. No amount of praise is enough to describe the comfort and joy they provided. We are hugely and eternally grateful. Phil was preceded in death by his parents, former wife Nina Connelly and Karen Connelly. His body will be donated to medical science. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 8th, 2019 at 11 am at First Presbyterian Church. Donations may be made to DOVE, First Presbyterian Church or charity of choice. “So long for a while. That’s all the songs for a while…”