Bernard Clinton Smith, 80, of Charlottesville, Virginia, departed this life peacefully on August 7, 2007, at Trinity Mission Health and Rehabilitation of Charlottesville, where he had been a resident for several years.

Born on February 26, 1927, in Albemarle County, Mr. Smith was the son of the late William F. and Helen S. Smith. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Rosa Smith Harris and Helen Smith Wesley, and five brothers, Edward, Warren, Hampton, James and Joseph Smith.

Mr. Smith was educated in the Albemarle County public school system and graduated from Jefferson High School, in Charlottesville. His greatest joys in life came from cooking and serving others. He worked for several decades as a highly regarded executive chef, before retiring in the 1990's. For most of his life, he resided in Shaker Heights, Ohio and Delray Beach, Florida. He had been an active and faithful member of several churches throughout his life, including, in his early life, Rose Hill Baptist Church, in Albemarle County. In recent years, he had transferred his membership to Wake Forest Baptist Church, also in Albemarle County.

He is survived by one brother, Thomas W. Smith, of Charlottesville; one brother-in-law, Warner Wesley, III; one sister-in-law, Ophelia G. Smith, of Albemarle County; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

The family extends grateful thanks the staff of Trinity Mission Health and Rehabilitation of Charlottesville, for providing a warm and supportive atmosphere and loving care of our loved one, during his final years.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 18, 2007, at the Rose Hill Baptist Church, at 2421 Rose Hill Church Lane, Charlottesville, Virginia, with the Reverends Sherman Collins and Jeffrey King officiating.

J. F. Bell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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