PLYMOUTH - Phillip James Smith, 52, of 13460 W. 13th Road, Plymouth, died April 26, 2009, in his residence. He began to experience the effects of Lou Gerhig's Disease in the fall of 2007 and was diagnosed in February 2008.
He was born Nov. 30, 1956, in Plymouth, to Billy J. and Kay F. Morgan Smith. On Jan. 27, 1989, in Plymouth, he married Gayle Whitaker, who survives.
He was a 1975 Plymouth High School graduate and worked at Young Door Corp. for 23 years and most recently was a crew driver with the Indiana Dept. of Transportation until March 2008. When the children were young, he helped with coaching Little League and the Junior Football League. He enjoyed outdoor activities such as golf and the sport of fishing especially trips into Minnesota. His team was the Chicago Bears and he was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose 741.
He never allowed the progression of his illness to keep him from the sidelines of the basketball and volleyball courts, softball field or track, where he was often seen in his wheelchair supporting his children's many activities along with his wife and parents.
Also surviving are three children, Andrea N. (and spouse James E.) Parker, Hunterville, N.C., and Elizabeth K. and Sean M. Smith, both at home; two grandsons, Austin and Alex Parker; a sister, Carol A. (and spouse Mike) Stockberger, Walkerton; a brother, Robin D. (and spouse Diana) Smith, Plymouth; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Carl and Orpha Smith, and maternal grandparents, Oscar and Hazel Morgan.
No formal services will be held.
Calling is from 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, IN.
*****
Memorials to ALS Association, Indiana Chapter, c/o 6525 E. 82nd St., Suite 115, Indianapolis, IN 46250, for the cure.
Condolences may be sent to www.johnson-danielson.com
