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Scott Richard Smith, 67, of Wheeling, passed away suddenly on Thursday, May 29.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Beverly Kay Smith and Dr. David H. Smith of Canada, and by his esteemed and treasured sisters, Robyn Elizabeth Gail Hammond and Beverly Jill Anita Smith of Wheeling.
Scott is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Holli Smith, and by his four children and granddaughter: Lauren Smith; Natalie Smith and her wife Marcella Caudill; Morgan Smith; Derek Smith, his wife Haley Smith, and their daughter Scarlett. He is also survived by his siblings: Lisa Smith; Duane Smith; Pamela Smith; and Sean Smith; his mother-in- law Poncey Massey; his brother-in-law Clark Massey; his sister-in-law Traci Maddox and her husband David Maddox; a great extended family; and Parker, his Airedale Terrier.
Born in Utica, New York, in 1958, Scott moved to Wheeling in 1961 when his father joined the Wheeling Clinic. He attended Linsly Military Institute, graduating in 1976, and went on to study at the University of Pittsburgh before earning his law degree from West Virginia University College of Law. While at WVU, he met and later married the love of his life, Holli--a fellow law student and, as he often said, the reason he spent any time in the law library and ultimately earned his Doctorate of Jurisprudence in 1983.
Scott began his legal career in public service as an assistant prosecutor in 1993 and was elected Ohio County Prosecutor in 2000. Over six successful election cycles, he served with dedication until his retirement at the conclusion of his final term in 2024. Scott was always appreciative of the efforts of local law enforcement. He considered the prosecutor's office staff an extension of his family and was always grateful for their camaraderie and dedicated service.
A tireless volunteer, Scott was always ready to step up and support his community--a consistent presence at local events and community efforts throughout his life.
Scott's passions and talents spanned a wide spectrum. He was a voracious reader, a devoted birdwatcher, a music enthusiast, a certified scuba diver, and a lifelong hockey fan and coach.
His thirst for adventure knew no bounds. He was a proud member of the 50 States Club, visited four continents, summited Mount Kilimanjaro, navigated the remote Alaskan wilderness, dove with sharks in South America, skied Whistler, jumped from and flew planes, watched wildlife in the Galapagos Islands, and competed in triathlons and long-distance cycling races. Scott was always ready to conquer a new quest.
But above all, Scott cherished his role as a father. He took immense pride and joy in raising his four children. He instilled in them a curiosity for the world, a deep respect for nature, a steadfast loyalty to loved ones, and a healthy dose of competitive spirit.
Scott was admired not only for his achievements but for his character--his brilliant intellect, his natural ability to lead, his quick wit, and his charismatic, cinematic smile.
Those who knew Scott will feel his absence deeply -- especially his family, whom he loved beyond words.
A Memorial Visitation will be held from 3:00 PM until the 7:00 PM Celebration of Life on Monday, June 9, 2025 at Altmeyer Wheeling Chapel, 1400 Eoff Street, Wheeling, WV, 26003.
Memorial donations may be made to one of the causes that Scott supported by visiting TMCFunding.com.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.AltmeyerFuneral Homes.com.